Govt to fast track review of copyright law

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The Government has pledged to fast track the review of the Copyright and Neighboring Rights law.

This is expected to help address the challenges facing the creative industry and ensure that people employed there make the most of their talent.

Gender and culture state minister Peace Mutuuzo acknowledges that the process has taken a long time to be finalised but that this is important if the process is to yield a legislation that is representative of all stakeholders.

She was speaking at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala as part of activities to commemorate World Culture Day on Tuesday, May 21, 2024.

“Even today (Tuesday) we shall have a forum with some of the actors that were not involved before to ensure that we bring in their ideas and views. We want to hear views from everyone,” she said.

Uganda enacted Copyright and Neighboring Rights Act in 2006, which provides for protection of literary, scientific and artistic intellectual works, computer programmes, electronic data banks and their neighboring rights. 

However, there have been several developments that require attention, including Uganda’s recent ratification of several international instruments that create obligations with which Uganda must comply.

Analysts says this is why it has become necessary to amend the law to bring it up to speed with the changes.

The minister said once enacted, the law (Copyright and Neighboring Rights Act) will provide for protection of literary, scientific and artistic intellectual works, computer programmes, electronic data banks and their neighbouring rights.

She said the government is committed to strengthening the culture and creative industry, through the development of new policies and legal frameworks, the re-structuring of the culture and creative industry, the building of capacity of stakeholders and improving the status of artists in Uganda.

“As culture becomes a public good, there is need for substantial regulation of the digital sector, notably of the major platforms, for the benefit of online cultural diversity, artists’ intellectual property rights and fair access to content for all,” she said.