When the Uganda Performing Rights Society (UPRS) announced the distribution of Shs216 million in royalties to eligible rights holders this year, it should have been a moment of celebration for Uganda’s music industry. Instead, it triggered one of the most intense debates the country’s copyright ecosystem has witnessed in recent years. The controversy reached its peak after celebrated musician Douglas Mayanja, alias Weasel, publicly disclosed that he had received Shs285,498 in royalties.
To many fans and industry players, the figure appeared inconceivable for one half of Radio and Weasel, arguably one of Uganda’s most commercially successful music duos whose catalogue has dominated airwaves, concerts and public spaces for nearly two decades. The payment immediately ignited accusations of inefficiency, opacity and possible mismanagement within Uganda’s royalty system. Soon after, Goodlyfe Magic Limited announced its intention to terminate UPRS’ mandate over the Radio and Weasel catalogue, citing concerns over transparency and confidence in the collective management system. What followed was not merely a disagreement over one payment…………………..CONTINUE READING…………………………………..