Uganda Strengthens Copyright Protections as Parliament Passes Landmark Amendment Bill
On March 17, 2026, the Ugandan Parliament made a significant stride in enhancing the rights of creatives by approving the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2025. This legislative development is poised to reshape the landscape for artists, musicians, and authors, ensuring they receive fair remuneration for their works. The approval was met with jubilation from creatives who had long awaited this moment, signaling a new era in copyright protection.
Legislative Framework for Creatives
The Bill, championed by Speaker Anita Among, introduces several key amendments aimed at improving the financial landscape for originators of creative works. Among these is a provision that empowers the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs to establish procedures for the collection, distribution, and receipt of royalties. This is to be done in consultation with the Registrar General of the Uganda Registration Services Bureau.
Hon. David Kabanda, the Member of Parliament for Kasambya County, emphasized that the Bill mandates equitable remuneration for performers and producers when their works are used for commercial purposes, such as broadcasting or public performances. “The remuneration shall be paid through a payment system established under the National Payment Systems Act,” Kabanda stated, highlighting the systematic approach to ensuring that creatives are compensated fairly.
Enhanced Protections and Penalties
The new legislation also introduces stricter penalties for unauthorized use of copyrighted materials. Individuals found guilty of publishing, broadcasting, or reproducing works without proper authorization could face up to ten years in prison or fines reaching 2,500 currency points (approximately Shs 50 million). This robust framework aims to deter copyright infringement and protect the rights of creators.
Additionally, the Bill addresses the issue of orphan works—those whose authors cannot be identified. It stipulates that no one may exploit orphan works without demonstrating to the Minister that the author cannot be located. This provision is crucial in safeguarding the rights of creators while allowing for the responsible use of unclaimed works.
Implications for Collecting Societies
The Bill expands the role of collecting societies, granting them the authority to collect and distribute royalties on behalf of their members. This move is designed to streamline the payment process for creatives, ensuring they receive their due compensation in a timely manner. Furthermore, the legislation mandates that the Registrar cannot block or take down infringing content unless the copyright owner possesses a certificate of registration, thereby reinforcing the importance of proper copyright registration.
The Attorney General, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, underscored the necessity of copyright registration, stating, “Once a creative produces work, they have a right to that work. But for one to benefit from the protections provided by the law, you must register a copyright.” This statement highlights the critical role of legal frameworks in protecting intellectual property rights.
Addressing Emerging Technologies
Despite the positive strides made, the Bill has been critiqued for not adequately addressing the complexities introduced by emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI). Hon. Stephen Baka Mugabi, chairperson of the Committee on Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, noted that the current copyright laws are primarily designed for human creators. He recommended that intellectual property laws be amended to accommodate the challenges posed by AI-generated content.
“As AI becomes deeply integrated into the creative field, the distinction between human-created works and machine-generated ones is becoming increasingly important,” Mugabi remarked. This observation underscores the need for forward-thinking legislation that can adapt to the rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Next Steps and Broader Context
The Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (Amendment) Bill, initially introduced as a Private Member’s Bill by Hon. Hillary Kiyaga, has now been adopted by the government and awaits presidential assent to become legally binding. The passage of this Bill is a critical step in aligning Uganda’s copyright laws with international standards, including the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works.
This legislative development not only enhances the protection of creative works but also serves as a vital component in fostering a thriving creative economy in Uganda. By ensuring that artists receive fair compensation, the government is taking significant steps toward nurturing local talent and promoting cultural heritage.
According to publicly available www.zawya.com reporting, the implications of this Bill extend beyond the borders of Uganda, potentially influencing copyright discussions across the African continent.
The enactment of this Bill marks a pivotal moment for creatives in Uganda, providing them with the legal protections necessary to thrive in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.
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