King Saha has launched fresh attacks against the government and members of Parliament, urging them to urgently pass the long-awaited copyright law that many artists believe will transform the music industry.
Saha’s remarks come after the Parliament of Uganda last week postponed debate on the proposed copyright bill. Legislators cited disagreements over some clauses in the draft law, delaying its progress.
However, the delay has sparked frustration among creatives, with several artists claiming there are attempts to remove what they call the most important provision; Clause 9. According to artists, this clause would ensure musicians earn royalties whenever their music is played on the radio and television.
In a video shared on his X account, King Saha made his position clear, saying the law is critical for artists who rely on their music for a living.
Copyright helps us as musicians to officialize our music as a profession because the government already did and it taxes us. So we ask that this issue of copyright be sorted before Ramadan finishes.
King Saha added that musicians have waited long enough for the law to be implemented and warned that patience within the creative community is running out.
According to Saha, the continued delay has already taken a toll on many artists who struggle financially despite their work being widely consumed.
Many of our colleagues are being admitted to rehabs because they are disturbed and broke since they aren’t earning from their work yet it’s being used. It’s you legislators who are holding back the creatives because you’ve refused to give them copyright.
Saha went further to warn that if Parliament fails to address the issue soon, he is ready to mobilize demonstrations to push for the law.
Saha vowed that artists will take action in every possible way to ensure their voices are heard and that the long-standing copyright concerns of Uganda’s creative industry are finally addressed.
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