Media consultant Dr Joel Isabirye has commended President Museveni, Gen Salim Saleh, and other stakeholders for the enactment of the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (Amendment) Act, 2026.
The law was assented to by Museveni on April 29, 2026.
Speaking to industry professionals and academics in Kampala on Friday, Isabirye said the passage of the law reflected sustained political will and collective effort within the creative sector.
He said the president and Saleh had, for more than a decade, pushed for the transformation of the creative industry through various initiatives.
However, he noted that legislative gaps had remained a key obstacle.
“Without their support, it would not have been possible to pass the law,” Isabirye said.
He also credited several institutions for their role in shaping the legislation, including the ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, the ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Parliament and members of the creative sector.
“It was a concerted effort, and they should be commended,” he said.
Isabirye described the new law as an important step towards strengthening copyright compliance in Uganda, but cautioned that implementation would determine its impact.
He said the next phase would involve public sensitisation and the establishment of effective enforcement mechanisms.
“Laws and policies are like plans or aspirations. The real effect is felt during implementation,” he said.
He added that detailed regulations would be developed by the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs in consultation with stakeholders.
“I am confident that beyond the excitement, Uganda is ready to implement the provisions of the copyright law,” he said.
Museveni also assented to several other pieces of legislation, including the National Drug and Health Products Authority Act, 2026, the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act, 2026, the Employment (Amendment) Act, 2025, the Forensic and Scientific Analytical Services Act, 2026, and the Magistrates Courts (Amendment) Act, 2026.
Others were: the Public Enterprises Reform and Divestiture (Amendment) Act, 2024, and the Non-Performing Assets Recovery Trust (Repeal) Act, 2024.
