Ugandan artists are rallying for royalty payments in Copyright Bill Debate in Parliament.
Clause 9 of the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2025, would require broadcasters and venues to pay producers and performers for commercial plays of their music. Justice Minister Norbert Mao highlighted artists’ frustrations with exploitation without earnings, while Speaker Anita Among argued airplay already promotes them.
Supporters like Bugweri District Woman MP Rachel Magoola stressed it’s a global standard, but the debate was this week halted on the floor of Parliament due to lack of quorum and resumes March 17. Artists including Sheebah Karungi and Ykee Benda urge backing the clause to protect the industry.
According to Sheebah, Ugandan musicians invest millions producing music and shooting videos, yet they still have to pay radio stations, TV stations and bloggers to promote their work.
“Clause 9 of the Copyright Amendment simply guarantees that when our music is played, artists are paid. If Clause 9 is removed, then this amendment defeats its purpose and the creative industry will continue bleeding,” she said before calling upon all musicians to speak up and defend their rights.
“To government, we ask for fairness. It’s time to do the right thing,” she added.
THE AMENDMENT;
Going by definition alone , Copyright is a law that grants creatives exclusive legal rights to their original copy , amending it without enforcing clause 9 which is what really enforces the definition of the law would be atrocious , The times are changing and a…
— YKEE BENDA (@YkeeBenda) March 14, 2026
Copyright law. Clause 9 . Copyright law. Clause 9.
Our art matters – our voice matters
Don’t use us for temporary gain and later change your word
We aren’t beggars – We don’t need cash payouts.
We need our rights reserved and our works respected.— Pia (@pia_pounds) March 14, 2026
Big facts! The creative industry can’t keep bleeding while everyone else profits from our work. Clause 9 stays or the whole amendment is meaningless. Fellow artists, let’s unite and make our voices louder. Government, listen to the people who make culture alive.
— Claire Doris Mutsangya ?? (@clairemutsangya) March 14, 2026