KAMPALA, Uganda — The Board Chairperson of the Uganda Performing Right Society (UPRS) has called on artists to actively participate in the organisation’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), saying it provides the proper platform for members to raise concerns and influence decisions affecting the creative industry.
The chairperson urged musicians and other rights holders to prioritise direct engagement with UPRS leadership instead of relying mainly on social media platforms to air grievances.
The call comes amid ongoing discussions among artists over issues including royalty collections, payment systems and the management of intellectual property rights in Uganda’s entertainment sector.
According to UPRS leadership, the AGM offers members an opportunity to review the organisation’s performance, seek accountability, ask questions and contribute to reforms aimed at improving copyright administration.
The chairperson said social media discussions, while important in highlighting concerns, do not provide a formal decision-making process for addressing challenges affecting artists.
“Members should take advantage of the AGM because it is where they can ask questions, present concerns and contribute to decisions that affect them,” the chairperson said.
UPRS is mandated to manage copyright and related rights on behalf of creators by licensing the use of creative works, collecting royalties and distributing earnings to rights holders.
The organisation has continued to encourage artists to register their works and gain a better understanding of copyright systems to ensure they are protected and benefit from their creative contributions.
The UPRS leadership said improving communication between the society and artists remains essential in building trust and creating a more transparent royalty management system.
The chairperson added that greater participation by members will strengthen efforts to reform the creative sector and ensure artists receive fair value for their work.
