UPRS Warns Bars and Clubs Over Unpaid Music Royalties
The Uganda Performing Rights Society (UPRS) has warned individuals and businesses using artistes’ music without paying royalties that they will face legal action.
UPRS made the strong statement on January 12 during a press conference held at the National Theatre, where officials addressed the long running issue of music being played in public spaces without payment.
The society emphasized that it is the legally mandated body responsible for collecting artistes’ royalties in Uganda and later distributing the money to the respective artistes.
Speaking at the briefing, UPRS Chairperson Martin Nkoyoyo, also known as Yoyo, revealed that the society has fully resumed its duties and will now move firmly against defaulters.
He warned that any bar, club, or business found using artistes’ music without paying the required royalties will be taken to court, stressing that the law will be enforced without fear or favour.
Yoyo also acknowledged that UPRS recently paid artistes a small amount of money, explaining that the payout reflected what had been collected during that particular period.
In addition, he disclosed that UPRS received one billion Uganda shillings from the government to support its operations, although he noted that he is not sure whether the funding will be provided on a yearly basis.
He concluded by reaffirming UPRS’s commitment to protecting artistes’ rights and ensuring musicians are fairly compensated for their work.
