Kampala – Ugandan musician Eddy Kenzo has welcomed the passing of the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2025, describing it as a long-awaited breakthrough for artistes seeking fair ownership and earnings from their work.
Parliament passed the Bill during plenary, with artistes and creatives filling the public gallery to witness what many described as a historic moment for Uganda’s creative industry. The legislation now awaits assent by the President.
Kenzo, who has been at the forefront of advocacy for copyright reforms, said the new law would significantly improve ownership rights for musicians.
“The previous law will be void, and we shall consider the new one. In the previous law, when a musician sold their songs, it would take 50 years for them to regain ownership, but now it’s going to be 20 years,” he said.
He noted that the reform would allow artistes to reclaim rights to their music much earlier, potentially transforming livelihoods across the industry.
“This means even works that were sold years ago can return to their original owners much sooner,” Kenzo added.
Parliament backs creatives
The Bill was processed by the Attorney General, Kiryowa Kiwanuka, and the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee chaired by Stephen Baka Mugabi.
During the Committee stage, Daudi Kabanda successfully proposed an amendment to ensure that artistes’ royalties are paid through a national payment system, with oversight from the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs. The proposal was adopted without objection.
The final motion for the Bill’s third reading was moved by ICT Minister Chris Baryomunsi, clearing the way for its passage.
A turning point for the industry
Kenzo had earlier indicated that the reforms were the result of sustained engagement between artistes and government.
“We are grateful to the President for listening to our concerns and guiding us appropriately. Let’s patiently wait through the remaining final process and celebrate this achievement together,” he said in an earlier update to creatives.
The new law is expected to strengthen enforcement of copyright, improve earnings from digital platforms, and close gaps in the management of intellectual property.
For many artistes who witnessed the proceedings, the passing of the Bill signals a new era—one where creative work is better protected and more fairly rewarded.
