Politics 23 March 2026 Parliament of Uganda
Uganda Parliament Passes Copyright Amendment Bill, Creatives Celebrate
Parliament approved the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2025 on March 17, 2026, sparking joy among creatives in the public gallery. The law promises better royalties, stricter penalties for infringement, and protections aligned with international treaties. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/index.php/news/4304/smiles-creatives-mps-pass-copyright-law
Creatives erupted in cheers from the public gallery as Uganda’s Parliament passed the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2025 on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. Many others waited outside, eagerly tracking updates on their phones.
The legislation, initially a Private Member’s Bill by Hon. Hillary Kiyaga (NUP, Mawokota County North) and later adopted by the government, aims to ensure fair pay for musicians, authors, and other originators. It empowers the Minister for Justice to set royalty collection procedures in consultation with the Registrar General.
Key provisions include equitable remuneration for performers and producers when sound recordings or audio-visual works are used in ads, broadcasts, or public shows. Payments will flow through the National Payment Systems Act, with the Registrar monitoring usage and reporting to the minister.
Collecting societies gain broader roles in handling royalties. Registration of copyrights is now mandatory for enforcement actions like blocking infringing content, as emphasized by Attorney General Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka.
Penalties are tougher: up to 10 years in jail or Shs50 million fine for unauthorized use, and up to 7 years or Shs40 million for selling infringing equipment. Illegal collecting societies face up to 10 years or Shs100 million fines.
The Bill introduces ‘orphan works’—copyrighted items with unknown owners. Exploitation requires ministerial approval and fees, with rights reverting if the owner is found later. It protects literary works, translations, adaptations, and folklore to align with treaties like the Berne Convention.
The Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee, led by Hon. Stephen Baka Mugabi, flagged gaps in addressing AI-generated content. Speaker Anita Among oversaw the session, with Hon. David Kabanda proposing key amendments and Justice Minister Hon. Norbert Mao advancing readings.
The Bill awaits presidential assent to take effect.
Source: Parliament of Uganda