Kololo, Kampala: Businesses playing Ugandan music may soon be required to install licensed tracking devices, according to a proposed Copyright Management System being reviewed by the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) in partnership with the State House Scientists Group.
The system, presented during a high-level meeting at URSB headquarters in Kololo, was discussed by a team led by Registrar General Mercy K. Kainobwisho and State House scientists led by Ms Sheba Kyobutungi and Dr Joel Isabirye.
According to URSB, the technology is designed to revolutionise Uganda’s creative industry by curbing music piracy and guaranteeing artists fair financial compensation.
How the System Will Work
The Copyright Management System will digitally register musicians’ works and track their usage in entertainment venues, radio stations, television stations and other public spaces where creative content is played.
Under the proposal, businesses that play Ugandan music will be required to install certified monitoring devices capable of recording play counts. The data collected will form the basis for calculating royalties owed to artists.
Officials say the innovation aims to eliminate underreporting of music usage and strengthen transparency in royalty distribution.
Strengthening Copyright Protection
URSB emphasised that copyright protection grants creators exclusive economic and moral rights over their works, while neighbouring rights protect performers, producers of sound recordings and broadcasting organisations.
By integrating digital tracking into copyright enforcement, authorities believe the system will professionalise Uganda’s music industry and boost confidence among artists and investors.
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