Artistes Rally Behind Clause 9 as Copyright Amendment Bill Faces Debate

Questions raised in Parliament about Clause 9 of the proposed Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Amendment Bill 2025 have sparked strong reactions from Ugandan musicians.

The clause would require broadcasters and entertainment venues to pay royalties whenever they play artistes’ music or videos.

During the debate, Justice Minister Norbert Mao supported the proposal, saying it would help reward creators for their work.

However, Speaker Anita Among questioned whether broadcasters should pay royalties, arguing that airplay already promotes music.

Parliament later halted the debate after lawmakers failed to raise the required quorum.

Reacting to the development, singer Sheebah Karungi defended Clause 9.

She said the current system hurts musicians because many invest millions in producing music and shooting videos yet still pay media platforms to promote their work.

Clause 9 of the Copyright Amendment simply guarantees that when our music is played, artistes are paid. If Clause 9 is removed, then this amendment defeats its purpose and the creative industry will continue bleeding.

Meanwhile, music trio B2C Soldiers criticized some lawmakers, saying many leaders fail to understand intellectual property and the value of copyright.

In a population dominated by young people, we have boomers making decisions on things they can’t comprehend. They make no research, have no desire to uplift anyone except themselves.

Singer Pia Pounds echoed similar concerns, saying artistes are not asking for handouts but want their rights protected and their work respected.

Our art matters – our voice matters. Don’t use us for temporary gain and later change your word. We aren’t beggars – We don’t need cash payouts. We need our rights reserved and our works respected.

Musicians including Eddy Kenzo and Ykee Benda have also urged fellow artistes to defend the clause.