Minister Norbert Mao Hosts Artists to Unveil New Copyright Enforcement
In a landmark gathering at his Lubowa residence, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Norbert Mao hosted a high-profile celebratory dinner that signaled a new dawn for Uganda’s creative economy. Following the historic passing of the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (Amendment) Bill by Parliament on March 17–18, the evening served as both a celebration and a strategic briefing on the future of artist royalties.
The event brought together an influential cross-section of the industry, bridging political and artistic divides. Industry heavyweights including Eddy Kenzo, Cindy Sanyu, Ykee Benda, Ziza Bafana, and Nina Roz were in attendance, reflecting a collective eagerness for the structural changes promised by the new legislation.
Minister Mao made it clear that the government’s approach to enforcing the law would be rooted in modern technology rather than just paperwork. He revealed plans to implement music-monitoring systems directly linked to the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC). These systems are designed to track music usage in real-time across bars, clubs, and various entertainment hubs, ensuring that creators are fairly compensated for public performances of their work.
In a move toward strict compliance, the Minister hinted at the introduction of a "copyright chip" requirement for hospitality and entertainment venues. Under this proposed framework, the installation of these monitoring systems could become a prerequisite for securing or renewing a trading license. To ensure the integrity of the system, a coordinated effort involving the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) and the police will be established to conduct regular inspections.
Mao’s message to business owners was one of partnership rather than punishment, framing the new digital enforcement as a necessary path toward fairness. For an industry that has long struggled with uncompensated public use of its content, these measures represent a significant leap toward ensuring that every beat and lyric translates into measurable earnings for Ugandan creatives.
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