Uganda Performing Rights Society (UPRS) Chairman Martin ‘Yoyo’ Nkoyoyo has responded to Weasel Manizo’s criticism of Uganda’s music royalty system, insisting that artists earn different amounts based on how often audiences consume their music.
The response follows singer Weasel Manizo‘s recent frustration over the payout he received from UPRS, comments that reignited debate over whether Uganda’s copyright system fairly rewards creators.
During an exclusive interview with Sanyuka Uncut, Yoyo dismissed suggestions that the society shares money equally among members, saying each payment reflects an artist’s level of music consumption in the market.
We distribute money depending on how it is consumed in the market.
He explained that the society tracks how often licensed users play or use an artist’s music before calculating individual payouts, rather than giving every member the same amount.
Yoyo also urged Weasel and other artists to understand how the distribution process works instead of judging the system solely by the figures they receive.
His remarks come as more musicians continue to question whether Uganda’s current copyright system delivers meaningful financial returns despite the widespread popularity of local music across radio, television, entertainment venues and digital platforms.
Yoyo’s response has added another chapter to the growing debate over how Uganda collects, manages and pays music royalties.
Whether his explanation convinces Weasel and other artists will likely depend on one thing: bigger royalty payouts.