The government will on January 9 introduce a national copyright management system aimed at streamlining Uganda’s arts and creative sector and promoting professionalism among artists.
The system will regulate the production and distribution of music and film, with a focus on curbing what authorities describe as immoral content.
The minister of state for Gender and Culture, Peace Mutuuzo, disclosed this while addressing the media on government’s Shs28 billion allocation to the creative industry.
Mutuuzo said while government is committed to supporting artists, it expects musicians and actors to uphold professional standards and avoid promoting immorality.
“All songs and films produced for the market will first have to pass through the copyright management system to ensure that the content is informative and appropriate before release,” Mutuuzo said.
She also revealed that the long-awaited copyright law is in its final stages.
“I take this opportunity to inform the public that the copyright law is in its final stages. Once Parliament resumes this year, one of its first assignments will be to enact the law,” she said.
Mutuuzo encouraged players in the creative industry to form and register savings and credit cooperative organisations (Saccos) to enable them benefit from the fund.
Meanwhile, Silvia Owori, a coordinator with Operation Wealth Creation, applauded government for supporting the creative industry, noting that many artists have experienced improved livelihoods since the programme began in 2021.
“Since government started supporting actors and artists in 2021, their lives have changed financially,” Owori said.
She also called on artists to turn up in large numbers for the arts and creative festival scheduled for January 9 at Kololo Independence Grounds.
According to Owori, the festival is intended to celebrate milestones achieved through government support and will also provide a platform for artists to showcase their talent.
