Musicians represented by the Ugandan National Musicians Federation (UNMF) have petitioned Parliament, urging the amendment of the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act of 2006.
In their petition, presented by Phiona Nyamutoro (NRM, National Female Youth Representative) during a recent plenary session, the musicians argue that the 17-year-old law is outdated, especially given technological advancements and evolving international standards.
Their primary concern revolves around the inequitable distribution of revenues generated from caller-back tunes, a practice that they believe disproportionately benefits telecom companies at their expense.
The petition states: “Your petitioners, who are contributors to the creative industry, assert that the current legal framework for revenue distribution from caller-back tunes unfairly disadvantages artists. Most of the revenue ends up benefiting telecom companies instead of the artists who should rightfully profit from their creations.”
To bolster the growth of the creative industry, the musicians, with support from over 100 members, propose amending the existing law to revise the revenue distribution mechanism for caller-back tunes.
They suggest a fairer split, with 60% going to the artist and 40% to be shared between the government and telecom companies.
Additionally, the petitioners call for new amendments imposing stringent measures against broadcasters that use pirated content. They advocate for a copy levy on devices used for reproducing copyright-protected works, with the proceeds to be equally shared between the government and copyright holders.
Musicians also request the regulation of telecom aggregators involved in distributing copyrighted content. Notably, they demand an affirmative action amendment mandating broadcasters to allocate 90% of airtime to Ugandan music to promote local content.
Last year, Member of Parliament for Mawokota County North, Dr. Hilderman, was granted leave to introduce a Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (Amendment) Bill. However, the bill has not progressed to the First Reading stage.
Member of Parliament for Bukomansimbi South County, Hon. Geoffrey Kayemba, attributed this delay to the Uganda Law Reform Commission (ULRC), which hindered the progress of the Bill. He urged the Attorney General to expedite the amendment for the benefit of the industry.
Deputy Attorney General, Hon. Jackson Kafuuzi, responded, “Indeed, laws need to be reviewed and updated after a certain period. I understand the concerns of our musicians. Our chambers have been working on this law, and we welcome the petition. We will collaborate with the committee to improve it and accommodate their interests.”
Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa, instructed the Attorney General to promptly advance the Bill, and the Committee on ICT and National Guidance to address other content-related issues raised in the petition and report back within 30 days.