TAKEAWAYS

• Norbert Mao says the new copyright law will help musicians earn royalties from their work.
• The Justice Ministry is overseeing rollout of “Nyange” monitoring devices in entertainment venues.
• Mao also highlighted his role in LRA peace mediation and development projects in Gulu City.

Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Norbert Mao has highlighted the recently enacted copyright law among the key achievements that make him suitable for the position of Speaker of Parliament.

Mao, who is seeking to replace incumbent Speaker Anita Among, said his track record in government and Parliament speaks for itself, citing reforms in the creative industry, post-war reconciliation in northern Uganda, and infrastructural development in Gulu City.

Speaking about the new copyright law recently signed by President Yoweri Museveni, Mao said the legislation will help musicians and other creatives finally earn fairly from their work instead of surviving on what he described as “peanuts.”

“For a long time, artists have been entertaining the country without benefiting from their own sweat. The copyright law is going to change that,” Mao said.

The Democratic Party president explained that the government has already assigned officials from the Ministry of Justice to oversee the rollout of the monitoring devices commonly referred to as “Nyange” machines. The devices are expected to track music usage in bars, clubs, radio stations, and other entertainment venues to ensure musicians receive royalties whenever their songs are played.

Mao added that artists who prefer their music to be used freely for promotional purposes will also have the option to opt out of monetization.

“If an artist chooses not to commercialize their music, that is their personal decision, but the law now protects those who want to earn from their talent,” he added.

Beyond the creative sector, Mao pointed to his contribution to peace-building efforts during the Lord’s Resistance Army insurgency. He said he played a role in mediation efforts involving LRA leader Joseph Kony and supported the Amnesty Act process that enabled former rebels to return and reintegrate into society.

The former Gulu District chairman also credited himself for helping transform Gulu into one of Uganda’s most organized cities, including overseeing the construction of district headquarters during his time in the Sixth and Seventh Parliament. He further revealed that government plans to support the region with facilities such as Pece Stadium and the Gulu University training ground.