Kampala, Uganda — Days after Uganda’s Parliament passed the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Amendment Bill on March 17, 2026, musician and Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF) President Eddy Kenzo clarified a misunderstanding during a live interview on ET Entertainment Uganda.
In the interview, Kenzo mistakenly said that “neighboring rights” referred to neighboring countries, prompting online corrections from fans and legal experts. He quickly acknowledged his error and posted a clarification on social media.
“All along I thought neighboring rights mean neighboring countries,” Kenzo admitted in a tweet. He went on to explain: “The law on copyright talks of neighboring rights; it doesn’t mean neighboring countries. Neighboring rights are the rights given to people like you who sing, perform, record, or play music, even if you did not write the song. When that song is played on radio or TV, you also have rights because it is your voice and your performance. The producer who recorded it also has rights.”
The clarification received widespread praise, with fans commending Kenzo for admitting his mistake and educating the public. Many noted that the conversation highlighted the law’s intent to protect performers, producers, publishers, and broadcasters for 50 years from unauthorized uses, such as radio plays, streaming, or other public performances, and to strengthen royalties amid ongoing issues with piracy.
Musicians and industry observers have also lauded Kenzo for his dual role in advocating for copyright awareness while continuing to manage his music career. Social media reactions shifted from initial amusement to support, emphasizing the importance of educating artists and the public on the new legislation.
Kenzo’s prompt correction underscores the growing dialogue in Uganda’s entertainment industry around copyright, performers’ rights, and fair compensation — a discussion that the newly passed bill aims to address.
