KAMPALA — Debate over copyright enforcement in Uganda’s music industry has flared up again after music executive Nyanzi Martin Luther accused leading artists and the Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF) of failing to secure meaningful protections for musicians.
In remarks that have sparked widespread discussion online, Martin Luther singled out singer Eddy Kenzo, who also serves as Senior Presidential Advisor on Creatives, questioning what he has delivered for fellow artists.
“Eddy Kenzo, now what gains did you protect for your fellow musicians or you protected your house gains,” he said.
He further argued that Kenzo’s legacy among Uganda’s music greats would remain incomplete unless he prioritises copyright reforms.
“Eddy Kenzo will never be called among the Big Three to become the Big Four unless he works on copyright… he still has to sing more on even Gen Muhoozi’s rallies in 2036,” Martin Luther added.
The executive also made controversial statements suggesting that artists demanding copyright benefits must align themselves with government interests.
“Fallen artists, I see some like Fik Gaza, who stopped having hits in 2024, and they are shouting copyright… Please, if you need copyright, accept and support the current government, we shall award you copyright,” he said.
He also directed similar remarks at rapper Feffe Bussi, insisting that political loyalty was necessary to access copyright protections.
“Feffe Bussi, even if you release hundreds of songs about the government, we shall not award you copyright unless you support the government… go to the so elected president and ask him for copyright, not the one leading Uganda now,” he stated.
Industry Background
Uganda introduced a Copyright Management System in 2025, intended to help musicians earn royalties whenever their music is played in public venues, on radio, or on television. The system is being implemented under the supervision of regulatory authorities, although enforcement and compliance remain major hurdles.
The issue has drawn mixed reactions across the music industry. While opposition leader and artist Bobi Wine has urged musicians to engage with government reforms, singer Bebe Cool has questioned leadership decisions within UNMF.
Other artists, including King Saha, have criticised delays in realising actual financial benefits from the reforms, while rapper Mun G has called for greater sensitisation of musicians about their copyright rights.
Despite the rollout of new mechanisms, the renewed controversy highlights persistent concerns over fairness, transparency, and whether copyright enforcement will truly benefit all musicians equally.
