Ugandan musician and Eddy Kenzo has revealed that he is considering stepping down from his leadership role at the Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF) following the recent passing of the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
Speaking to the press, Kenzo said he feels he has fulfilled a major responsibility to the creative industry after pushing for the Bill, which many artists believe will transform how they earn from their work.
“They don’t demand anything important from me anymore. I’m now waiting for the regulations that will follow the president’s signature,” he said. “Then I will sit with my fellow artists and formally ask them to retire. If they allow me, I will step down; if they don’t, they will have to give me their reasons. If I agree with their reasons, I will stay in power.”
Kenzo noted that his next step will depend on consultations with federation members once the law is fully enacted, including the final regulations after presidential assent.
On March 17, 2026, Uganda’s music industry marked a major milestone when the Bill was passed by Speaker Anita Among, bringing it a step closer to becoming law.
The proposed legislation is expected to significantly reshape the industry by tackling piracy and requiring broadcasters to compensate artists whenever their music is played on radio and television.
During the parliamentary session, several musicians, led by Kenzo and members of the federation, gathered to witness and support the process—highlighting the importance of the reform to Uganda’s creative sector.
If signed into law, the new framework could usher in a more sustainable future for artists, ensuring they benefit financially from their work while strengthening protections around intellectual property.
For Kenzo, however, the milestone also marks a personal turning point—one that could see him step away from leadership after steering one of the industry’s most significant reforms.
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