Government has approved the Copyright and Neighboring Rights (Amendment) Bill 2024 following review by the Parliamentary Counsel.
According to a statement by the president of the Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF) and special presidential advisor on Creatives Musuuza Edrisah Kenzo on December 16, 2024, the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs after then will publish the Bill in the Gazette and introduce it in Parliament for debate and enactment.
“Am glad to inform you that the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (Amendment) Bill 2024 was returned from the Parliamentary Counsel and has been approved and overwhelmingly supported by Cabinet today, “Musuuza stated.
Musuuza also confirmed that the Ministry of Finance is issuing the Certificate of Financial Implication to clear the Bill.
“Our wish of having the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2024 as a Christmas gift I think has been fulfilled.”
He credited President Yoweri Museveni for the progress made on the bill, acknowledging his responsiveness to the grievances of musicians.
“We are grateful to H.E. the President for listening to our concerns and guiding us appropriately, “Musuuza said.
He urged his fellow artists to remain patient as the process is being finalized.
“Let’s patiently wait through the remaining final process and celebrate this achievement together. I thank all of you for your support, love and prayers,” he urged.
Following the Federation President’s statement, musicians and artists argued that the bill was outdated and unable to address the numerous issues arising from modern technology.
In response to musicians’ concerns, Kabbyanga Godfrey Baluku, the State Minister for ICT and National Guidance, emphasized that this comprehensive bill will tackle the long-standing issue of insufficient protection for musicians and other artists in Uganda.
The government’s confirmation and passage of the Copyright and Neighboring Rights Amendment law marks a major milestone for Ugandan musicians and artists. Daniel Kazibwe, aka Ragga Dee, noted that it had taken a long time to reach this point.
