Amooti Laments Delay in Amending Copyright Law

Veteran Ugandan comedian Amooti Omubalanguzi, whose real name is Allan Mujuni, has expressed his deep frustration over the long delay in amending Uganda’s copyright law.

According to him, this issue has persisted for over 40 years, with no significant progress.

Amooti questioned whether creatives will continue crying for this change well into their 60s, 70s, or even 80s, as their pleas seem to fall on deaf ears.

He stressed that amending the copyright law would not only benefit creatives but also help the government address youth unemployment.

“If the copyright law is amended, we could create jobs for the youth. There is work to be done, but we do not have the capacity to provide opportunities because we earn so little from what we do,” Amooti said.

The comedian pointed out that even the country’s top artistes are financially constrained due to the absence of an effective copyright law.

He explained that the concerts organized by musicians, which often draw huge crowds, do not translate into significant profits. By the time taxes, venue costs, and other expenses are covered, artistes are left with very little.

Amooti emphasized the urgent need for a strong copyright law to ensure creatives are fairly compensated for their work.

His remarks are part of a bigger discussion in Uganda’s entertainment industry, where many believe the current copyright system does not protect the rights and earnings of creatives.

For them, changing the law is not just about getting fair pay but also about supporting creativity to grow and create jobs and income for future generations.

Because of these issues, Amooti is asking the government to prioritize amending the copyright law to protect the future of Uganda’s creative industry.