TAKEAWAYS

• Sama Sojah says Uganda’s music industry lacks professional oversight.
• He believes musicians should not be sole custodians of policy decisions.
• He wants experts in law and regulation to help guide the industry.

Ugandan singer Sama Sojah has spoken out about what he sees as deep-rooted problems in the way the country’s music industry is being managed, saying the current system is failing artists.

According to Sama Sojah, it is painful to watch an industry that provides livelihoods for many musicians being handled without the professionalism it deserves. He argued that unlike other professions, which are guided by committees, regulations, and disciplinary structures, the music industry often operates without the same level of accountability.

He specifically weighed in on the Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF), led by Eddy Kenzo and deputized by Sheebah Karungi, saying the leadership structure itself raises concerns despite the federation’s recent push on the copyright amendment law.

“My issue is not fighting anyone. I’m only giving my honest opinion on how the industry should be handled better,” Sama Sojah said.

He explained that while musicians understand the creative side of the business, policy, regulation, and oversight require people with technical knowledge and legal understanding of the industry.

“Making music does not automatically make someone an expert in policy implementation. The industry also needs professionals who understand structure and law,” he added.

Sama Sojah believes the way forward lies in bringing in experts who understand the deeper workings of the music business to help shape policy, enforce standards, and protect artists’ interests.

His remarks come at a time when the federation is being praised by some for championing Uganda’s recently passed Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (Amendment) Bill, while critics like Bebe Cool and others continue to call for changes in how the body is run.