URSB reaffirms commitment to strengthening Uganda’s copyright ecosystem at UPRS AGM
Annual General Meetings play a critical role in fostering accountability and ensuring that the society effectively serves its members, said URSB’s Registrar General last week.
Speaking during the Uganda Performing Rights Society (UPRS) Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 28th March at the UBFC Auditorium, Mr. Ambrose Ekaju (CPA), the Director of Finance and Administration, who represented the Registrar General, highlighted the significance of AGMs, especially for member-led organisations such as UPRS. He pointed out that such meetings play a critical role in fostering accountability and ensuring that the society effectively serves its members.
Mr. Ekaju announced a major milestone in Uganda’s copyright administration: the establishment of a fully-fledged Directorate of Copyright and Neighbouring Rights within URSB.
“This new department is dedicated to supporting musicians, performers, and UPRS in effectively managing their intellectual property rights,” he stated.
Furthermore, URSB is actively engaged in amending Uganda’s Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act with the aim of addressing emerging challenges in the industry.
“These reforms will protect the rights of musicians and enhance UPRS’s efficiency in executing its mandate,” Mr. Ekaju affirmed.
To ensure UPRS’s long-term success, “We encourage UPRS to work closely with URSB to ensure accountability and timely execution of its programmes. More importantly, UPRS should always prioritise its mission of ensuring that music pays and that creatives see value in it,” he stated.
As the regulatory body overseeing Collective Management Organisations (CMOs), URSB reaffirms its commitment to supporting UPRS in fulfilling its mandate, Mr. Ekaju noted; URSB’s role extends beyond oversight, positioning itself as a key partner in strengthening Uganda’s copyright ecosystem.
