By KT Reporter
The Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), in collaboration with Collecting Management Organizations (CMOs), has ramped up efforts to enforce copyright compliance in the hospitality sector, where over UGX 400 billion in royalties remains uncollected annually. The crackdown targets hotels, bars, radio, and television stations that use creative content without proper licensing, depriving the country’s creatives of their rightful earnings.
“CMOs have struggled to collect royalties from the hospitality sector, despite it being the largest user of creatives’ works,” said Jackson Mutunda, Senior Registration Officer for Copyright and Neighboring Rights at URSB. “Our mandate includes registering copyrights, licensing CMOs, and regulating the sector, and we are committed to helping CMOs fulfill their responsibilities,” he added.
Currently, Uganda has three licensed CMOs: the Uganda Performing Rights Society (UPRS), which represents the music industry; the Uganda Reproduction Rights Organization (URRO), which focuses on books and literature; and the Uganda Film and Movie Industry (UFMI), which handles films and movies. Mutunda noted progress through sensitization campaigns targeting media houses, journalists, and producers, leading to increased compliance and a reduction in piracy and copyright infringement.
However, the compliance level still falls short compared to the consumption of creative works. Charles Batambuze, Executive Director of URRO, highlighted widespread ignorance about copyright laws, even among creatives. “Many creatives lack basic knowledge of the law, and users either remain unaware or deliberately refuse to pay due to impunity,” he said.
Batambuze called for increased awareness and stronger enforcement measures to compel compliance. He also urged the government to budget for royalties in its institutions, such as schools, and ensure compliance among broadcasters regulated by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC). “We need administrative support, as seen in other countries. Government institutions must set the example by paying royalties,” he stressed.
UFMI Chairman Daniel Kazibwe, alias Ragga Dee, pointed out that many non-compliant entities are owned by influential figures, including ministers and MPs, who evade payment. “Compliance should start with these leaders, but instead, they undermine the system,” he said. Kazibwe warned that non-enforcement of copyright laws threatens the country’s entertainment industry, leaving creatives financially strained and unmotivated.
“Artists are turning into beggars because they’re not receiving their rightful earnings. This undermines the entire industry,” he stated. Under the Copyright and Neighboring Rights Act, public and private entities, including entertainment venues, hotels, and schools, must pay royalties ranging from UGX 700,000 to 1.5 million, depending on their size.
Strengthened enforcement and awareness campaigns are expected to transform the creative sector and ensure fair compensation for Uganda’s artists-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
