Uganda’s creative industry marked a significant milestone as Hon. Norbert Mao hosted a gathering of artists, performers, and Creative industry stakeholders to celebrate the progress of the Copyright and Neighboring Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2025. The event brought together musicians, filmmakers, writers, and digital content creators, all united by a shared goal: securing stronger protection and fair compensation for creative work.
Held in an atmosphere of optimism and renewed hope, the meeting underscored the importance of intellectual property rights in fostering a sustainable creative economy. Mao, who serves as Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, commended creatives for their resilience and continued contribution to the country’s cultural and economic growth.
“This is a sign of unity, it’s not easy to ignore an organized group and with all our power as the state we couldn’t ignore your call once you got organized under a united leadership of President Eddy Kenzo who also serves as a Senior Presidential Adviser on creatives.” – Hon Minister Norbert Mao.
In his address, Mao emphasized that the amendment bill represents a long-overdue reform aimed at aligning Uganda’s copyright laws with modern technological realities. With the rapid growth of digital platforms, many creatives have struggled with unauthorized distribution, piracy, and limited financial returns from their work. The proposed amendments seek to close these gaps by strengthening enforcement mechanisms and introducing clearer guidelines for digital rights management.
“The creative industry is no longer just about talent; it is about rights, ownership, and economic empowerment,” Mao noted. “This bill is a step toward ensuring that Ugandan creatives benefit fully from their intellectual property.”
The event also provided a platform for creatives to voice their expectations and concerns. Many highlighted the need for transparency in royalty collection systems, improved licensing structures, and government support in enforcing copyright laws. Others called for increased public awareness about respecting intellectual property, particularly in the digital space where content is easily shared and reproduced.
Industry leaders applauded the government’s efforts, noting that the bill could transform Uganda’s creative landscape if effectively implemented. Stronger copyright protection is expected to attract investment, encourage innovation, and open up new revenue streams for artists both locally and internationally.
“We thank President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for allowing our structures work in his Government and supporting us financially as well as engaging every stakeholder to help us push the copyright amendment and having it passed by the Parliament of Uganda” – President Eddy Kenzo noted.
The celebration was not only about policy progress but also about unity within the creative sector and pushing the signing of the regulations to effect the law with penalties as presented at the floor of parliament.
As the Copyright Amendment Bill advances through the legislative process, stakeholders remain hopeful that it will usher in a new era where creativity is both protected and properly rewarded. For Uganda’s artists, this moment signals more than just legal reform, it represents recognition, validation, and a brighter future for the country’s creative economy.
