Mayiga: Copyright alone won’t make Ugandan creatives rich – Sqoop

Buganda Kingdom Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga has challenged Ugandan creatives to stop viewing copyright as the ultimate solution to their financial struggles, arguing that wealth in the creative industry is built through talent, branding and business acumen rather than legal protection alone.

Speaking at Bulange while hosting singer Irene Namatovu and other creatives, Mayiga said although copyright and neighbouring rights are important, they only protect value that has already been created.

“Copyright law is not the one going to make creatives wealthy. Let no one lie to you,” he said.

Mayiga warned that the growing emphasis on copyright enforcement should not distract artists from investing in their craft, building strong brands and creating work that audiences are willing to pay for.

To illustrate his point, he cited Tanzanian music star Diamond Platnumz, recalling his appearance at the Kampala Capital Carnival during Jennifer Musisi’s tenure as Kampala Capital City Authority executive director.

“When Diamond was hired to perform at the KCCA Carnival and got paid in dollars during Jennifer Musisi’s tenure, was it copyright that hired him?” Mayiga asked.

He argued that Diamond’s ability to command high performance fees came from years of developing his music, reputation, stagecraft and commercial appeal, with copyright serving only to protect the value he had already built.

Mayiga also referenced Eddy Kenzo’s performance at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon, saying the Ugandan singer earned that opportunity because of his talent and international profile rather than copyright protection.

“When Kenzo performed at AFCON that was hosted in Gabon, was it copyright that hired him for his services?” he asked.

Describing copyright as a safeguard rather than a source of wealth, Mayiga compared it to a padlock.

“Copyright is just like a padlock on the doorway. When you don’t lock it, it is useless,” he said, explaining that a padlock only has value if there is something worth protecting behind the door.

His remarks come amid renewed debate over copyright and neighbouring rights in Uganda, with artists, producers and rights organisations pushing for stronger enforcement to ensure creators are fairly compensated for the use of their intellectual property.

Mayiga, however, insisted that sustainable success in the creative economy begins with developing talent, maintaining discipline, embracing innovation and treating creativity as a business capable of attracting audiences and investment.