Uganda rolls out ‘Nyange’ device to track music use in public spaces – Sqoop

Uganda has begun installing locally developed devices designed to track music played in public and commercial spaces, a move expected to transform how artists earn from their work.

According to Eddy Kenzo, president of the Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF), the device—named Nyange—is already being deployed in hotels, bars, media houses, and other venues where music is played for commercial purposes.

“These devices will support music royalties collection and distribution. Installation is now underway,” Kenzo said.

The technology works by detecting and identifying music played in real time, then transmitting the data to a central system. This allows authorities and rights bodies to determine which songs are played, where they are played, and how frequently, creating a more transparent system for royalty tracking.

This comes shortly after President Yoweri Museveni assented to the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (Amendment) Act, a law aimed at strengthening protections for creatives and ensuring fair compensation in the digital age.

Under the amended law, royalty collection and distribution will be handled by licensed Collective Management Organisations (CMOs). These bodies are mandated to collect payments from businesses that publicly play music—including bars, clubs, and broadcasters—and distribute earnings to artists.

The introduction of Nyange is seen as a key step in enforcing the new law, addressing long-standing concerns from musicians over lost revenue and unregulated use of their work.

If successfully implemented, the system could mark a turning point for Uganda’s music industry—shifting it toward a more structured, accountable, and financially rewarding ecosystem for artists.

Ugandan made devices (copyright management system) to track music played in hotels, bars, media houses, and public spaces for commercial purposes are currently being installed.

“These devices will support music royalties collection and distribution. Installation is now underway,… pic.twitter.com/NRyc7I4EnH

— Douglas Lwanga (@DouglasLwangaUg) April 30, 2026