Uganda Parliament Passes Landmark Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (Amendment) Bill 2025

Uganda’s Parliament has passed the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2025, modernizing protections for artists, musicians, and creators by ensuring fair royalties, stronger anti-piracy measures, and alignment with global standards.

In a major victory for the country’s vibrant creative sector, the Parliament of Uganda has today passed the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2025, a long-awaited reform set to transform how artists, musicians, filmmakers, and other content creators are protected and compensated.

The bill, which modernizes the outdated Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act of 2006, introduces key changes including enhanced enforcement mechanisms, fairer revenue sharing from digital platforms and broadcasting, stricter penalties for piracy and infringement, and better alignment with international copyright conventions. It addresses longstanding grievances in the industry, such as exploitation of works through unauthorized use in media, ringtones, public performances, and online streaming.

Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Hon. Norbert Mao, who championed the legislation, described it as a “game-changer” that will provide stronger safeguards for creators’ intellectual property while streamlining the sector and deterring illegal copying. “This bill ensures that the intellectual property inherent in creatives gets rewarded appropriately,” he emphasized during earlier debates.

The passage comes after intense discussions in recent weeks, with some lawmakers expressing concerns over implementation costs, potential burdens on broadcasters, and the need for thorough analysis. Speaker Rt. Hon. Anita Among had previously deferred further debate to allow for cost-benefit considerations, but the House ultimately moved forward, leading to today’s approval.

Musicians and creatives erupted in celebration inside and outside Parliament following the vote. The legislation is expected to boost earnings for performers and producers through improved remuneration models—moving beyond one-off payments—and crack down on rampant piracy that has deprived many Ugandan talents of rightful income.

Social media buzzed with reactions from artists who have long advocated for these reforms. The bill’s journey reflects growing recognition of the creative economy’s role in national development, with digital content now a major driver of cultural export and employment.

While passage by Parliament marks a significant milestone, the bill must now receive presidential assent from H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to become enforceable law. Once signed, it will empower institutions like the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) to better manage registrations, collections, and disputes.

Industry stakeholders view this as a step toward a more equitable creative landscape, potentially inspiring similar protections across East Africa. As one observer noted, “If fully implemented, this could finally let Ugandan talents thrive without fear of theft.”

The creative community now awaits the final sign-off, hopeful that this reform will usher in a new era of fair pay, innovation, and global competitiveness for Uganda’s artists.