Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) exercising the powers granted to them by Section 75 of the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act, 2006, suspended the Uganda Performing Rights Society (UPRS) CEO James Wasula and Compliance Officer Dickson Matovu for allegedly mismanaging the royalties collected from different TV and Radio stations, as well as online venders.
This comes after the URSB received numerous complaints that the money collected from rights users does not get to the composers and performing acts of the work broadcast, and if it does, it is usually too little that they (composers and performers) feel cheated by the Society.
UPRS was put into place to protect the copyrights of art like music and films, collecting royalties and remitting such royalties to the performers.
URSB asked Wafula and Matovu to step aside as they investigate the allegations. Investigations will also look into UPRS’ constitution and financial statements for any irregularities and streamline the Societies activities.
The Bureau has appointed Kabiito Karamagi and Rita Baguma Birungi of Ligomarc Advocates as temporary caretakers of the management of UPRS as investigations are ongoing.