Edrisa Musuuza aka Eddy Kenzo
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I The journey to protect the copyright of creatives in Uganda has entered a new phase following the launch of a nationwide Copyright Management System (CMS) and Copyright Awareness Sensitization Tour that aims to educate musicians and other artists on intellectual property rights while strengthening royalty collection and distribution.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF) with Government support, will traverse all 18 sub-regions of Uganda, engaging musicians, producers, performers and other stakeholders on the importance of copyright protection and the opportunities offered by the new Copyright Management System.
Announcing the programme today 29th July 2026, the UNMF President Eddy Kenzo Mutuluza described the campaign as a historic milestone for Uganda’s creative industry, saying it is intended to empower artists with the knowledge and tools needed to earn fairly from their creative works.
“Today, we begin an important journey for the future of Uganda’s creative industry,” Kenzo said.
“As President of the Uganda National Musicians Federation, I am pleased to announce the National Copyright Management System (CMS) and Copyright Awareness Sensitization Tour, which will cover all 18 sub-regions across Uganda.”
He said the campaign is part of a broader Government effort to transform Uganda’s creative economy by ensuring that creators enjoy legal protection and financial rewards for their intellectual property.
“This is a landmark Government initiative championed and supported by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, aimed at protecting the intellectual property of Ugandan creators and ensuring that musicians and other rights holders benefit fairly from their work,” Kenzo said.
For years, Ugandan musicians have decried widespread piracy, unauthorized public performances of their music and the absence of an effective system for collecting and distributing royalties. Industry players have argued that while Ugandan music continues to dominate entertainment spaces across East Africa, many artists struggle to earn sustainable incomes because their copyrights are poorly enforced.
The introduction of the Copyright Management System is expected to digitize copyright registration, improve monitoring of music usage and strengthen royalty management, enabling musicians and other rights holders to receive compensation whenever their works are commercially exploited.
According to Kenzo, the nationwide sensitization tour will provide creatives with practical knowledge on copyright law, intellectual property management and the operation of the new system.
“Through this nationwide tour, we shall engage musicians, producers, performers and the public to build a better understanding of copyright, royalty management and the opportunities presented by the new Copyright Management System,” he said.
He urged artists from every region to actively participate in the programme, saying the success of the initiative depends on widespread awareness and collaboration across the creative sector.
“I encourage every creative, stakeholder and lover of Ugandan music to be part of this historic journey. Together, we can build a stronger, more professional and economically sustainable creative industry where talent is protected, creativity is valued and hard work is rewarded,” Kenzo added.
The UNMF President also expressed gratitude to President Museveni, the Government and partner institutions for supporting reforms that many artists have long advocated.
“I thank the Government of Uganda, all our partner institutions and everyone who has supported this initiative. We look forward to meeting creatives in every region as we shape a brighter future for Uganda’s creative economy,” he said.
The sensitization campaign is expected to deepen public understanding of copyright laws while encouraging compliance among music users, broadcasters, event organizers and businesses, ultimately strengthening Uganda’s creative industry as a contributor to employment, cultural preservation and economic growth.
