Uganda Passes Copyright Bill: Parliament Strengthens Royalties, and Digital Protections

Payments will be processed through systems under the National Payment Systems Act, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Uganda’s creative sector erupted in celebration after Parliament passed the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2025, a long-awaited reform aimed at ensuring fair remuneration, stronger legal protection, and tighter enforcement against piracy.

Artists, musicians, and writers watching proceedings from the public gallery broke into jubilation as the House approved the Bill on March 17, 2026, marking a turning point for Uganda’s creative economy.

Long-Awaited Relief for Creatives

The Bill addresses a key demand from creatives: guaranteed and structured payment for the use of their work.

It mandates that:

• Performers and producers receive equitable remuneration when their content is used for:

  • Commercial advertising

  • Broadcasting

  • Public performances

Payments will be processed through systems under the National Payment Systems Act, ensuring transparency and accountability.

New Royalty Framework: Centralised and Regulated

A major amendment introduced by Hon. David Kabanda empowers the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs to:

• Prescribe procedures for collection, distribution, and payment of royalties

• Work in consultation with the Registrar General of the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB)

The Registrar will also:

• Monitor usage of copyrighted works

• Submit periodic reports to the Minister

This move is expected to streamline royalty flows and reduce disputes in the sector.

Collecting Societies Get Expanded Role

The Bill strengthens the role of collecting societies, authorizing them to:

• Collect royalties on behalf of creators

• Distribute payments to rights holders

This expansion aims to ensure more efficient and equitable income distribution across the creative industry.

Registration Now Key to Enforcement

In a significant shift, the law requires proof of copyright registration before enforcement actions can be taken.

• No takedown or blocking of infringing content without a certificate of registration

• Registered works gain stronger legal backing

Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka emphasized:

“Registration ensures effective protection… it is difficult to claim infringement if ownership is not established.”

Tougher Penalties to Combat Piracy

The Bill introduces stringent penalties for copyright violations:

• Up to 10 years imprisonment or fines up to Shs50 million, or both

• For equipment used in piracy:

  • Up to 7 years imprisonment or Shs40 million fine

Illegal operation of collecting societies also attracts:

• Up to Shs100 million fine or 10 years imprisonment

These measures signal a crackdown on piracy and unauthorized distribution.

Introduction of ‘Orphan Works’ Framework

A new provision addresses “orphan works”—copyrighted content whose owners cannot be identified.

• Users must prove the owner cannot be found before exploitation

• Annual license fees will apply

• If the original author is later identified, rights revert back to them

This creates a regulated pathway for using previously inaccessible works.

Expanded Protection for Literary and Cultural Works

The Bill broadens copyright protection to include:

• Novels, plays, and encyclopedias

• Translations and adaptations

• Expressions of folklore and traditional knowledge

This aligns Uganda with international standards such as the Berne Convention, while also safeguarding indigenous cultural expressions.

AI Gap Highlighted by Parliament

The Parliamentary Committee on Legal and Parliamentary Affairs flagged a critical gap:lack of provisions for AI-generated content.

Chairperson Hon. Stephen Baka Mugabi warned:

“Without forward-looking provisions, the law may struggle to address emerging technologies.”

He recommended future amendments to address the growing role of artificial intelligence in creative production.

From Private Bill to National Reform

Originally introduced as a Private Member’s Bill by Hon. Hillary Kiyaga, the legislation was later adopted by the government and advanced through Parliament by:

• Justice Minister Norbert Mao (Second Reading)

• ICT Minister Chris Baryomunsi (Third Reading)

Next Step: Presidential Assent

The Bill now awaits presidential assent before becoming law. Once enacted, it is expected to:

• Transform Uganda’s creative economy

• Improve earnings for artists

• Strengthen intellectual property enforcement

A Turning Point for Uganda’s Creative Industry

For thousands of Ugandan creatives, the passage of the Bill represents more than legal reform—it is a step toward economic justice, professional recognition, and sustainable livelihoods.

As celebrations erupted both inside and outside Parliament, the message was clear: Uganda’s creative voices are finally being backed by law.