🎶 Bringing the Industry Together
On May 20th, 2025, UPRS convened a vital mediation meeting with key music stakeholders, including UMPA, Omziki, OPUS Music Africa, and representatives of legendary artists’ estates. The session focused on improving dialogue between music rights holders, publishers, and digital distributors to resolve ongoing disputes in Uganda’s music industry.

🤝 Commitment to Change
UPRS reaffirmed its commitment to protecting creators’ rights, streamlining membership and documentation, and ensuring equitable royalty distribution. All parties pledged to prioritize transparency, integrity, and collaboration—paving the way for a more accountable and professional Ugandan music industry.

🎵 On May 16, 2025, UPRS hosted URSB officials, who oversee Collective Management Organizations, at our offices to ensure compliance with the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act 2006. Together, we’re advancing our vision of a Uganda where creators are empowered and musical works are valued, protected, and fairly rewarded. Committed to our mission of protecting, promoting, and monetizing our members’ economic rights! Thank you, URSB, for your vital support in empowering Uganda’s creative industry!

đź“Ť On April 23, 2025, at Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), key stakeholders from Uganda Performing Right Society (UPRS), URSB, International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), and National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) gathered to enhance industry collaboration and compliance.
🎶 Broadcasters, including TV and radio stations, were reminded to obtain music licenses from UPRS, as outlined in Section 46 of the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act, 2006, to ensure fair compensation for music creators.

🎼 ATTENTION MUSIC PUBLISHERS! 🎼
Here’s what went down at the UPRS x UMPA Meeting on 16th April 2025:

The meeting aimed to strengthen collaboration and ensure fair royalty distribution for all publishers. A key focus was on improving the accuracy of work registrations and addressing the gaps that are currently costing publishers their rightful earnings.

Publishers are reminded to register all works with the correct ownership percentages. Many are missing out simply because their works are not properly declared when submitted to UPRS. To avoid disputes and ensure transparency, rights holders are strongly encouraged to sign clear agreements with artists. Additionally, it’s crucial to submit all rights contracts to UPRS so they can be officially documented and verified.

UPRS Chairman Mr. Martin Nkoyoyo shared a powerful message: “Protect your rights. Declare your works. Let’s clean the database and grow the industry — together.”

In summary, publishers should make sure their catalogues are up to date, their memberships are active, and their royalties are fully protected. These steps are essential to building a fairer and more efficient music industry for all.

Meeting Between Songwriters and UPRS – March 25, 2025 at UPRS Office

On March 25, 2025, a productive session was held between songwriters and the Uganda Performing Rights Society (UPRS) at the UPRS office to discuss good governance and rebuild trust in the organization. During the meeting, songwriters were encouraged to declare all their works, ensuring that the rights owners and their percentage shares are clearly outlined for each registered song title. This transparency will allow UPRS to accurately calculate and distribute royalties to members whose works are used by licensed commercial music users.
The meeting, called by UPRS Board Chairperson Mr. Martin Nkoyoyo, also highlighted the importance of joining UPRS. Mr. Nkoyoyo advised songwriters to become members if they want to benefit from their music being used in public spaces, businesses, broadcasters (radio, television), and other commercial platforms.
Together, we can ensure fair compensation and foster a thriving music industry in Uganda! 🎵💼!m

Music Producers should join UPRS

Record labels and music producers in Uganda are encouraged to join UPRS and declare their works to secure rightful royalties. By presenting agreements with artists, performers, composers, and other creators that clearly indicate percentage shares, UPRS can accurately calculate and allocate earnings when music is played in licensed businesses. During a sensitization meeting on 17th March 2025, UPRS Chairman, Mr. Martin Nkoyoyo, urged all music creators to declare their works to avoid missing out on royalties. Register with UPRS today and ensure your creativity pays off!

Music UPRS Stakeholder Engagement with Cover Bands – February 4 2025

 On February 4, 2025, UPRS hosted a stakeholder engagement session at its Kansanga offices, bringing together representatives from various cover bands, including Vipi Band, Abeeka Band, and others. The session provided a platform to discuss industry best practices, copyright compliance, and the role of cover bands in Uganda’s music ecosystem. Together, we are shaping a fair and sustainable music industry! 🎵