President Museveni assents to Copyright Amendment Act 2026

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has finally assented to the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (Amendment) Act, 2026, marking a historic victory for Uganda's creative industry.

After nearly three years of lobbying led by Eddy Kenzo and the Uganda National Musicians Federation, the long-awaited law now makes it mandatory for bars, hotels, radio and TV stations, and any business that uses music publicly to pay for it.

Licensed Collective Management Organisations (CMOs) will collect and distribute royalties to musicians, producers, and rights holders based on actual usage. A new Copyright Management System, approved by State House, will track plays in real time to curb piracy.

The Act also strengthens protection for digital content and grants the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and the Uganda Police Force powers to enforce compliance, with non-compliant businesses risking closure.

For artists who have for years relied only on concerts and endorsements, this law shifts the game entirely, ensuring they earn whenever their work is played, whether on air, online, or in public spaces.

It is a major step toward professionalising Uganda's music industry and securing lifetime income for creatives and their families.