President Museveni has signed into law the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (Amendment) Act, 2026, completing a legislative process that began with Parliament's passage of the Bill on March 18, 2025, after extensive consultations involving artists, government officials, and industry stakeholders.
The signing marks a major overhaul of Uganda's intellectual property framework aimed at strengthening protection for creators, improving royalty collection, and curbing piracy across the creative sector.
The Bill was passed by Parliament following final deliberations in plenary that were attended by musicians and representatives of the creative industry, who had long campaigned for stronger legal protections over their work.
Among those who welcomed the parliamentary approval at the time was the President of the Uganda National Musicians Federation, Edrisa Musuuza, popularly known as Eddy Kenzo, who described the development as a turning point for the industry.
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"Finally we can earn from our works and sweat," Kenzo said after the March 18 passage of the Bill, calling it a "life-changing opportunity" for artists to benefit from their intellectual property.
Kenzo also thanked President Museveni for what he termed fulfilment of a pledge to support creatives, and commended Speaker Anita Among and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa for steering the legislation through Parliament after more than two years of consultations.
He further acknowledged Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao, the Attorney General, Members of Parliament, and stakeholders including Gen. Salim Saleh, describing the reform as a collective victory for the creative sector.
The amended law introduces a revised revenue-sharing structure for caller ring-back tones, one of the most significant monetisation channels in Uganda's music industry.
Under the framework, authors and performers will receive 60 percent of revenue, telecommunications companies 31 percent, and aggregators 8.5 percent.
It also introduces mandatory payment requirements for broadcasters using artistic content, effectively ending the long-standing practice of free airplay for promotion.
Additionally, the law provides for a digital tracking system to monitor the use of music and films in bars, media houses, and public venues, with royalty collection to be managed through bodies such as the Uganda Performing Right Society.
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Following the President's assent on Wednesday, government officials said the reforms are expected to modernise Uganda's copyright regime, align it with the digital economy, and strengthen enforcement against piracy and unauthorised distribution.
The Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), which oversees intellectual property administration, welcomed the law, noting that it will expand monetisation opportunities for creators and improve compliance within the industry.
Industry stakeholders have long argued that weak enforcement and outdated systems have deprived artists of fair earnings, particularly in the digital and broadcast space.
While the law has now been enacted, stakeholders including Kenzo have previously urged government to urgently finalise implementation regulations and roll out a national copyright management system to ensure effective enforcement.
"We still have a lot to achieve, but our hope is now strengthened more than ever," Kenzo said following parliamentary approval of the Bill.
The Copyright Act is part of a broader package of reforms recently assented to by the President, covering health regulation, energy efficiency, labour rights, forensic services, and justice administration.
