Eddy Kenzo, the president of the Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF), met with President Yoweri Museveni on Monday and reportedly discussed the urgent need for the amendment of the Copyright & Neighboring Rights Act 2006.
In a post shared last evening, Kenzo highlighted the significance of the meeting in line with the UNMF’s commitment to streamlining the entertainment sector and advocating for a more efficient music industry.
“Today (Monday), I met my Mzee H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, and we discussed the urgent need for the amendment of the Copyright & Neighboring Rights Act 2006. It was a great discussion in which he promised to look into the matter with the urgency it requires,” read a part of Kenzo’s post.
Kenzo also mentioned that Museveni accepted his request for a meeting to introduce the leadership of UNMF.
However, the meeting has sparked mixed reactions on social media, with users expressing various sentiments.
Nasasira Ronald encouraged Kenzo, stating, “Go, brother, the sky is the limit. Who knew the little boy from Masaka could be meeting presidents?”
Black Mambaso applauded the Federation’s consistency, saying, “It’s consistency for me. The media told us the federation wouldn’t go beyond two months, and we are counting seven now.”
Some users raised questions about the efficacy of meeting the president for industry reforms.
@kampala suggested, “You better meet Parliament coz that’s where laws are made, boss. The President just acknowledges, and even if he doesn’t, Parliament can still do.”
@heardgoat humorously questioned, “So the system is no longer volongoto.”
Patrick Kabuye expressed his skepticism, asking, “Do musicians need to first meet the president to streamline the industry? Very disgusting system of leadership.”
@Joseph Mind predicted potential challenges, saying, “From there, they’ll tell us to separate music from politics.”
On July 20, 2022, Mawokota MP Hon. Hillary Kiyaga alias Dr. Hilderman sought a two-week parliamentary leave to consult on improving the Copyright and Neighboring Rights Act of 2006. However, he revealed that UNMF has declined his requests for an audience on the matter multiple times.