Mwizukulu wa Buganda
JF-Expert Member
- Nov 19, 2024
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Seasoned media consultant Joel Isabirye has stressed the need for fair compensation for creators, arguing that digital platforms and broadcasters have both moral and economic obligations to share revenue generated from creative content.
Speaking during an interview on After 5 on NBS Television, Isabirye pointed to global platforms such as YouTube as examples of systems where creators are rewarded for their work.
He explained that content creators invest significant time, effort and financial resources into production, while platforms often earn advertising revenue from the same content.
Isabirye also noted that ongoing discussions on copyright reform should be viewed within broader efforts to restructure and strengthen Uganda’s creative industry.
He emphasised that copyright protection extends beyond musicians to include television presenters, producers, filmmakers and other professionals in the creative ecosystem. According to him, the use of copyrighted content without permission—whether by local or international broadcasters—raises legitimate questions about compensation and intellectual property rights.
To illustrate the long-term investment artists make in their work, Isabirye cited veteran musician Maddox Ssematimba, who reportedly spent several years writing and refining his song Namagembe before its eventual release.
He also highlighted the global potential of the creative economy, pointing to Nigeria’s success in exporting music talent such as Davido, whose international recognition demonstrates the sector’s capacity to generate revenue and cultural influence when adequately supported.
The debate comes as government considers the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (Amendment) Bill 2025, introduced by Norbert Mao, who also serves as President General of the Democratic Party.
The proposed legislation seeks to modernise Uganda’s copyright framework, strengthen protection for creators and align national laws with international standards.
Among its key provisions is a new revenue-sharing model for caller ringback tones, a popular telecommunications service. Under the proposal, authors and performers would receive 60 percent of the revenue generated, telecommunications companies would take 31 percent, while aggregators would receive 8.5 percent.
Officials say the reforms are intended to address persistent challenges such as piracy and the unauthorised use of creative works, particularly in the digital era where distribution increasingly occurs through online and telecommunications platforms.
The Uganda Registration Services Bureau, which oversees intellectual property administration, has welcomed the proposed amendments, noting that they could expand monetisation opportunities and provide stronger legal protection for artists and content producers.
Industry observers believe the bill reflects growing recognition of the creative sector’s contribution to employment, innovation and cultural expression.
If enacted, the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (Amendment) Bill 2025 is expected to create a more structured system for managing intellectual property rights while encouraging investment in Uganda’s creative industries.
Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/328068/creators-must-be-paid-for-their-work-joel-isabirye
Speaking during an interview on After 5 on NBS Television, Isabirye pointed to global platforms such as YouTube as examples of systems where creators are rewarded for their work.
He explained that content creators invest significant time, effort and financial resources into production, while platforms often earn advertising revenue from the same content.
Isabirye also noted that ongoing discussions on copyright reform should be viewed within broader efforts to restructure and strengthen Uganda’s creative industry.
He emphasised that copyright protection extends beyond musicians to include television presenters, producers, filmmakers and other professionals in the creative ecosystem. According to him, the use of copyrighted content without permission—whether by local or international broadcasters—raises legitimate questions about compensation and intellectual property rights.
To illustrate the long-term investment artists make in their work, Isabirye cited veteran musician Maddox Ssematimba, who reportedly spent several years writing and refining his song Namagembe before its eventual release.
He also highlighted the global potential of the creative economy, pointing to Nigeria’s success in exporting music talent such as Davido, whose international recognition demonstrates the sector’s capacity to generate revenue and cultural influence when adequately supported.
The debate comes as government considers the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (Amendment) Bill 2025, introduced by Norbert Mao, who also serves as President General of the Democratic Party.
The proposed legislation seeks to modernise Uganda’s copyright framework, strengthen protection for creators and align national laws with international standards.
Among its key provisions is a new revenue-sharing model for caller ringback tones, a popular telecommunications service. Under the proposal, authors and performers would receive 60 percent of the revenue generated, telecommunications companies would take 31 percent, while aggregators would receive 8.5 percent.
Officials say the reforms are intended to address persistent challenges such as piracy and the unauthorised use of creative works, particularly in the digital era where distribution increasingly occurs through online and telecommunications platforms.
The Uganda Registration Services Bureau, which oversees intellectual property administration, has welcomed the proposed amendments, noting that they could expand monetisation opportunities and provide stronger legal protection for artists and content producers.
Industry observers believe the bill reflects growing recognition of the creative sector’s contribution to employment, innovation and cultural expression.
If enacted, the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (Amendment) Bill 2025 is expected to create a more structured system for managing intellectual property rights while encouraging investment in Uganda’s creative industries.
Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/328068/creators-must-be-paid-for-their-work-joel-isabirye
