Licensing FAQ – Uganda Performing Right Society (UPRS)

1. Where Does UPRS Collect Royalties?

UPRS collects royalties from various commercial music users, including:

  • Entertainment & Hospitality: Bars, clubs, hotels, restaurants, discotheques, amusement parks, and sports stadiums.
  • Retail & Services: Shops, banks, gyms, salons, and betting venues.
  • Public & Broadcast Media: Radio and TV stations, ringtone service providers, and jukeboxes.
  • Transport: Buses, taxis, and aircraft.
  • Events & Performances: Concerts, karaoke, live music shows, and theaters.

2. Why Buy Original Music?

Purchasing legal music:
✔ Supports musicians financially
✔ Contributes to government revenue
✔ Enhances the music industry and economy
✔ Ensures quality sound and device longevity

3. What Happens If You Infringe Copyright?

❌ Musicians lose income
❌ The government loses tax revenue
❌ You risk arrest, prosecution, and confiscation of unauthorized copies

4. What is Copyright?

Copyright is the legal protection granted to original works, such as music, books, and paintings, giving creators exclusive rights to control their use.

5. Why Should Copyright Be Protected?

  • It rewards creators for their work.
  • It fosters creativity and innovation.
  • It ensures fair economic benefits for artists.

6. How Can I Protect My Work?

Copyright is automatic once a work is created in a tangible form. Registration with UPRS enhances enforcement and global recognition.

7. What is UPRS and How Does It Work?

  • Who They Are: A non-profit society formed in 1985 to administer copyright in Uganda.
  • What They Do: Collect and distribute royalties to musicians.
  • International Reach: Works under the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC) for global copyright enforcement.

8. Why Should I Join UPRS?

  • Ensures you receive royalties from local and international use of your music.
  • Protects your work against unauthorized use and piracy.
  • Advocates for increased airplay of local music.
  • Provides financial support for musicians in need.

9. Do Users Need to Pay to Play Music?

Yes! Commercial users benefit from music and must pay for its use—just like other utilities such as water or electricity. Many broadcasters and businesses already comply with this law.