Govt probes suspended Performing Rights CEO over missing funds

Jul 30, 2019

Uganda Registration Services Bureau(URSB) has issued a notice dated July 29, 2019, highlighting the suspension of James Wasula, and compliance officer Dickson Matovu

Chief executive officer(CEO)Uganda Performing Rights Society, has been suspended and a probe commenced over missing funds.

Uganda Registration Services Bureau(URSB) has issued a notice dated July 29, 2019, highlighting the suspension of James Wasula, and compliance officer Dickson Matovu. 

URSB says it is acting within the confines of the law, as enshrined in Section 75 of the Copyright and Neighboring Rights Act, 2006, National Intellectual Property Office, and National Copyright Information Centre.

"The suspension of the above officials is to allow for an effective ongoing Inquiry into the Constitution, workings and financial conditions of the society in accordance with the above provisions of the law," says the public notice issued this evening.

"There have also been a number of complaints from members of the society with allegations of mismanagement of finances and remittance of royalties collected from rights users which URSB would also like to look into critically."

Accordingly, two lawyers from the firm Ligomarc Advocates; Kabiito Karamagi and Rita Baguma Birungi of have been chosen as caretakers.

Provision for caretakers is stipulated in section 75 (4) of the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act 2006.

It is also intended that going forward UPRS will handle its affairs within the strict confines of the law, transparently, with good governance standards as well as achieving the objectives of its establishment in the interests of its members and all other stakeholders.

The activities of the Caretakers shall be supervised by URSB and the members of the board of UPRS.

URSB rallies stakeholders

The bureau has pledged support to the caretakers and rallied stakeholders to continuously engage and consult to strengthen the UPRS. 

"The regular activities of the society are expected to continue smoothly and URSB calls upon all stakeholders and Ugandans generally to support this process," says URSB.

UPRS profile

The entity's website says it was formed in 1985 by authors (mainly musicians) to advance the cause of copyright administration in Uganda. 

The web portal notes that it is registered with the URSB as a company limited by guarantee having no share capital. This implies that all members have equal say in its affairs, and it belongs to all members. 

UPRS is endorsed by the government as a Collecting Society. It is also and it is a constituent Confederation of International Societies of Authors and Composers(CISAC).

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