Artists, content creators, influencers and all persons who are in the creative space were overjoyed with the passing of the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (Amendment) bill 2025.
At the reading of the law in parliament, the floor was awash with different artists keenly listening to the proceedings. Uganda has taken a historic step and the much-needed breather to protect creations.
The question then lingers, what does the law mean to the ordinary John Doe creator. How can they tap into this joy. Will the joy last? Here’s what you need to know.
WRITTEN AGREEMENTS
One of the many complaints in the creatives spaces is lack of documentation. The Law has addressed this by providing that all copyright agreements for example, instances where copyright is given to another person to be in writing.
The written document must clearly state the payment terms (emphasis mine), responsibilities and rights of each person involved or they risk being rejected by the Registrar of Copyright since they must be registered within 60 days from the date of signing.
20-YEAR LIMIT ON COPYRIGHT LICENSE AND ASSIGNMENT
Prior to the law, one would sign away their copyright in perpetuity. Many Agreements were to pay off the creators for their economic rights for good. The law introduces a 20-year limitation for copyright assignments and licences.
After, the rights return to the original creator. No one loses control of their work permanently, allowing creators to regain the benefit of their creations.
ALLOWED PLAGIARISM AND COPYING
The new law restricts copying published works using photocopiers, scanners or printers. Only a small portion of a work may only be copied up to five per cent at any one time or within a period of three months unless if such a person has a license. This will prevent excessive copying while still allowing limited use of such works.
ORPHAN WORKS CAN BE USED SAFELY
The new phrase “Orphan works” has been inserted. As the word suggests, it is creative works whose owners cannot be found.
These works can now be legally used upon obtaining a licence. In case the owner is later found, their rights will revert to them once they prove they are the authors of the works.
FAIR PAY FOR MUSIC AND MEDIA
When music or audiovisual content is commercially played, broadcast or shared publicly, some payment must be made to both the original performers and producers of that work.
This will ensure creators are paid whenever their work reaches the public. This is a welcome provision, however, enforceability may be an issue. There is need to create systems to track this.
The stroke of a pen is not enough to track the playing of music by bands, nightclubs, radio and tv stations, malls etc, there must be systems working to enforce this.
ACCESSIBILITY FOR ALL
The law allows works to be converted into braille or audio for people who are blind. Learning and information will therefore become more inclusive ensuring nobody is left behind.
FAIR REVENUE SHARING IN TELECOMS
For music used in caller ring tones (the music you hear when you call someone), creators are now guaranteed a larger share of the earnings ensuring they are properly compensated for the use of their work in telecommunications.
TRANSPARENCY IN COLLECTING SOCIETIES
Organizations that collect and distribute payments to creators must now be registered, be transparent and accountable. This will ensure artists receive the money they are owed which builds trust in the system.
WHY THIS MATTERS
The law will be more than a legal update, it’s a statement: creators matter, their rights should be protected and their work drives Uganda’s growth.
By balancing protection with public access, the law will open doors for innovation, digital opportunities and a thriving creative economy. How the same will work is still being debated, but the law is here and we must embrace it
The author is an associate at SM & Co. Advocates
