Uganda Prepares to mark Africa Copyright Day with a focus on Collective Management
As the continent gears up to observe Africa Copyright and Collective Management Day on 12 September, Uganda is set to join the celebration and confirm the critical role of Collective Management Organisations (CMOs) in nurturing the creative economy.
CMOs such as Uganda’s Performing Rights Society (UPRS) for music, the Uganda Federation of Movie Industry (UFMI) for audio-visual works, and the Uganda Reproductive Rights Organization (URRO) serve as vital intermediaries between creators and users of copyrighted works.
They negotiate licenses, collect royalties, monitor usage, and ensure fair distribution of payments to artists, authors, producers, and performers.
Recent reports highlight that across ARIPO member states, CMOs have witnessed increased royalty collections and distributions; yet challenges like low public awareness, piracy, and insufficient technological infrastructure persist. Enhancing transparency and public trust remains a key priority.
In Uganda, URSB is responsible for overseeing CMOs spearheading the country’s participation in the observance. As the countdown nears zero, all is set to shine a spotlight on CMOs’ pivotal role in safeguarding creativity. Key stakeholders from government, CMOs, and the creative sector are expected to engage in dialogues around licensing best practices, royalty distribution transparency, and how collective management can be harnessed to fuel Uganda’s cultural and economic growth.
