Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2025

This Bill wants to update the copyright law. In very simple terms, it is meant to: 1. make Uganda’s copyright law match important international copyright agreements 2. protect people’s work, like books, music, films, and performances, especially on the internet and online platforms 3. set rules for using works whose owners cannot be found, also called orphan works 4. regulate contracts about how creative work is used or sold 5. make it easier and clearer to register collecting societies 6. deal with other related copyright issues So, overall, the Bill is trying to modernize copyright law and make it fit today’s digital world.

The report recommends passing the Bill with amendments that clarify definitions, strengthen digital copyright enforcement, keep mandatory registration of assignment, transfer and licence contracts, and improve creator protection and remuneration. It also rejects, for now, extending sound recording protection from 50 to 70 years, urging further government study instead.

The debate at third reading was largely focused on finalising the Bill and strengthening how royalties will be managed in practice. The Minister moved the motion for the third reading on behalf of the Attorney General, showing government backing for the Bill’s passage. A major point of discussion came from Hon. Daudi Kabanda’s amendment to clause 9. His proposal pushed for royalty payments to go through the National Payment System and for the Justice Minister to have a role in determining royalties. The fact that the Attorney General and the Committee Chair did not object suggests there was broad agreement around improving transparency and state oversight in royalty collection and payment. Overall, the mood of the House appears supportive of the Bill, with attention centered on making it more workable for artists and creatives. The presence of artists and creatives in the gallery also shows that this law was seen as important by those directly affected, especially on issues of payment, protection, and enforcement.