Arua, Uganda - The Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF) has taken its Copyright Management System (CMS) awareness campaign to West Nile, with musicians and creative sector stakeholders in Arua being introduced to the new system.
The engagement forms part of a nationwide Copyright Management System and Copyright Awareness Sensitization Tour, running from 28 July to 30 August 2026 across 18 UNMF sub-regions.
The tour is designed to equip musicians, artists and other creative industry stakeholders with practical knowledge about copyright protection, neighboring rights, intellectual property, licensing and royalty management.
According to UNMF, the initiative will reach several regions, including West Nile, Acholi, Lango, Karamoja, Teso, Busoga, Bunyoro Kitara, Rwenzori, Kigezi, Ankole, Masaka, Mpigi and Mukono, among others.
Strengthening Copyright Protection in Uganda
The Copyright Management System is intended to improve the identification and monitoring of creative works while strengthening licensing procedures and royalty administration.
The system is also expected to enhance royalty collection, accountability and transparency in the distribution of royalties, helping creatives better understand and benefit from the commercial use of their works.
The initiative comes as Uganda’s creative industry continues to seek stronger mechanisms for protecting artists’ intellectual property and ensuring that creators receive fair compensation when their works are used commercially.
John Kateregga, Director of Legal and Compliance at UNMF, said the federation will work with a range of stakeholders to strengthen Uganda’s copyright ecosystem.
“UNMF will collaborate with Government institutions, including relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Local Governments, cultural institutions, private-sector partners, and other stakeholders to strengthen Uganda’s copyright ecosystem,” Kateregga said.
UNMF Targets 18 Sub-Regions
The nationwide sensitization tour is expected to provide an opportunity for musicians and creative professionals outside Kampala to understand how copyright systems can support their careers and protect their creative works.
By taking the campaign to different parts of the country, UNMF aims to increase awareness of copyright registration, licensing and royalty management while encouraging creatives to actively protect their intellectual property.
The West Nile engagement in Arua marks another step in the federation’s efforts to build a more organized, transparent and sustainable creative industry in Uganda.
