Mixed Reactions as Uganda Passes Copyright Amendment Bill

Kampala, Uganda — The passage of the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2025 by the Parliament of Uganda has drawn both praise and concern from stakeholders across Uganda’s creative and media sectors.

The Bill, which seeks to update the country’s copyright framework, was approved following deliberations aimed at addressing challenges posed by digital content distribution and persistent intellectual property violations. It now awaits the signature of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

Proponents of the legislation argue that it offers long-overdue protection for Ugandan creators who have, for years, lost income due to unauthorised use of their work.

By tightening enforcement measures and introducing new compliance requirements, the Bill is expected to reduce piracy and ensure that creators receive their rightful earnings.

One of the notable aspects of the amendment is its focus on digital rights management. With the rise of online streaming, social media, and telecom-based content services, lawmakers have moved to ensure that copyright protections extend fully into the digital domain.

The Bill also enhances the role and regulation of collecting societies, which have previously faced criticism over accountability and inefficiencies. Under the new framework, these organisations will be subject to stricter oversight to ensure that royalties are collected and distributed fairly.

Despite its intended benefits, the legislation has sparked debate among media practitioners and technology stakeholders. Some have raised concerns about potential compliance burdens and the risk of overregulation, particularly for smaller broadcasters and emerging digital platforms.

Others warn that without clear implementation guidelines, the law could create uncertainty in the industry, potentially affecting access to content and innovation in Uganda’s growing digital space.

As Uganda moves closer to enacting the law, attention is now shifting to how it will be implemented and enforced.

Analysts say the success of the amendment will depend not only on its provisions but also on the capacity of institutions to uphold and operationalise the new legal framework effectively.