By BigEyeUg Team
In a bid to prepare Ugandan musicians for the impending enforcement of copyright laws, Lord Mayor Counsel Elias Lukwago has advised artists to organize themselves and be united.
Lukwago emphasized the importance of education for artists, highlighting that mere enforcement of copyright laws won’t suffice in protecting their interests.
Even if the copyright law is enforced, without you organizing yourselves, be united and stop being vulnerable, it won’t help you. Artists need to be educated about everything,” Lord Mayor Elias Lukwago said during an interview with Spark TV.
The call for unity and education comes amidst expectations that the copyright law, aimed at benefiting Ugandan artists, will be enforced in the near future. According to credible sources, the enforcement is imminent, prompting artists to gear up for the changes ahead.
Ugandan musicians, rallying under the Uganda National Musician Federation, have taken proactive steps by petitioning parliament to amend the Copyright and Neighboring Rights Act of 2006. Led by prominent artist Edrisa Musuuza, popularly known as Eddy Kenzo, the musicians presented their petition to parliament on October 4th, urging expedited action to ensure fair compensation for their creative works.
The petition, presented by Phiona Nyamutoro, the Female Youth Representative to Parliament, outlines key demands of the musicians. Firstly, they seek revised charges for caller tunes, aiming for rates that better reflect the value of artists’ contributions. Additionally, they advocate for stringent measures against broadcasters who use pirated content, arguing that such practices undermine the intellectual property rights of artists.
Among the proposed measures is a significant fine of not less than 5 million shillings for individuals convicted of copyright infringement against artists. This, the petitioners assert, would serve as a deterrent against piracy and unauthorized use of creative works.
Furthermore, the musicians are advocating for increased support for local content by demanding that broadcasters allocate 90% of airtime to Ugandan music. Such a move, they argue, would not only promote local talent but also foster the growth and development of the music industry within the country.
As the landscape of copyright enforcement in Uganda evolves, artists are being urged to stand together, educate themselves on their rights, and actively engage in shaping policies that protect their interests.
The push for legislative changes underscores the determination of Ugandan musicians to secure fair compensation and recognition for their creative endeavors.
We will keep you posted