A Warning to Creatives Before Celebration » The Hoima Post –

Uganda’s Parliament recently passed the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2025, sparking excitement among artists who hope it will finally protect their work and guarantee fair pay. While the promises of royalties and stronger legal safeguards sound promising, the reality may be far more complex. Before the industry celebrates, there is a serious need for awareness, preparation, and caution.The law is designed to introduce contracts, royalties, and rights management. In theory, this should empower artists. In practice, however, many creatives may find themselves unprepared for the system they are stepping into. Many Ugandan artists enter agreements without fully understanding the legal language or the long-term implications. Legal support is scarce, and in the rush to secure opportunities, some may sign contracts that inadvertently transfer control of their work to others.“Many artists are excited about earning more, but they must also understand the systems being introduced. Without knowledge, they risk losing control of their own work,” warns Male Deogratius, a respected radio personality, DJ, and music producer known for promoting Ugandan talent on Metro FM 90.8.The law also raises a difficult question about regulation. When the government is the body overseeing creative rights, will it allow content that challenges authority, critiques social issues, or highlights human rights concerns? Artists creating music or media that speaks about freedom, governance, or accountability may face restrictions or delays. In a system where the regulator also holds political power, creative freedom could be compromised, and the very voices the law intends to protect might be silenced.“Creative freedom depends on trust in the system. If artists begin to fear expression, then the law has failed its purpose,” adds Tintah, echoing concerns shared by many in the Ugandan music and media industry. Journalist Ronald Kasirye similarly notes, “When systems become complex, the artist is usually the one who suffers. Talent alone is not enough; knowledge and protection are crucial.”The law may also have unintended economic consequences. Increased costs for promoters, higher requirements for content distribution, and the added complexity of royalties could reduce the number of events and opportunities for emerging artists. International promoters and diaspora organizations, such as African Descent Ontario, may hesitate to engage with Ugandan talent if the legal environment appears uncertain or restrictive, limiting the global reach of local music.The situation can be likened to a farmer who never planted crops yet shows up expecting a harvest. Ugandan creatives have built the industry through decades of struggle, personal investment, and passion. Now, as the industry grows, regulations are being introduced that could control rather than empower. The question is not whether rules are necessary, but whether they are fair and supportive to those who actually built the system.This is a wake-up call for every Ugandan creative. Artists must understand copyright, know their rights, and seek legal guidance before entering agreements. They must work together as a community to demand transparency, fairness, and protection for their work. Promoters must also adopt fair and clear contracts, respecting the ownership of creative content.The new law can either strengthen Uganda’s creative industry or limit it, depending on how it is implemented and how well-informed creatives are. The choices made now will determine whether Uganda becomes a hub of thriving, empowered talent or an industry controlled by regulations without real benefit to its creators.Call to Action: Ugandan artists, promoters, and stakeholders must not remain silent. Learn your rights, speak out, protect your work, and support one another. Share this message, start conversations, and demand fairness. The future of Uganda’s creative industry depends on informed, united, and proactive action today.About the AuthorAlexander Luyima is the Director of Community Programs and Information at African Descent Ontario, advocating for fair and sustainable creative industries, and connecting African talent to global opportunities.

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