KAMPALA– The streets of Kampala were filled with song today as Ugandan musicians, filmmakers, and writers celebrated the passage of the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
Passed by Parliament late Tuesday and making headlines today, the bill is seen as a “turning point” for an industry that has long struggled with piracy and lack of compensation.
The legislation provides stronger legal protections for intellectual property and ensures that artists receive fair royalties for their work, even after death.
High-profile figures like Eddy Kenzo and Sheebah Karungi joined the crowds outside Parliament, hailing the victory as a win for all “creatives.”
Simultaneously, the Ugandan judiciary made waves by striking down the controversial Computer Misuse Act, ruling several sections unconstitutional for violating freedom of expression.
While activists are celebrating the collapse of “offensive communication” charges, some political analysts warn that the government may already be drafting a new version of the law to maintain a grip on digital discourse.
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