Takeaways

• Eddy Kenzo credits diplomacy for the law’s success
• Copyright Amendment Act aims to help creatives earn fairly
• Focus now shifts to implementation and enforcement

Eddy Kenzo has welcomed President Yoweri Museveni’s assent to the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (Amendment) Act, 2026, describing it as a defining moment for Uganda’s creative industry and a validation of years of advocacy.

Kenzo, who has been at the forefront of pushing for reforms through the Uganda National Musicians Federation, expressed pride in the approach he and his team adopted—favoring dialogue over confrontation.

“This is a big win not just for me, but for every Ugandan creative. We chose engagement and understanding, and today it has paid off.”

The singer noted that in the past, some industry players mishandled the push for the law by demanding immediate action from government without structured engagement. He believes the more diplomatic strategy helped build trust and ultimately delivered results.

“The President gave us the platform to organise ourselves through our federation. As creatives, we are now better positioned to speak with one voice and demand what rightfully belongs to us.”

Kenzo also pointed out that the milestone silences critics who had questioned his efforts and commitment to the cause. With the bill now law, he says attention shifts to implementation and ensuring artists begin to earn from their work.

He emphasized that the real victory will be seen when musicians, producers, and other creatives start receiving fair pay for the use of their content across platforms.