Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Nobert Mao has detailed how the government plans to implement the recently established Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (Amendment) Bill.
On March 17-18, 2026, the Uganda parliament passed the long-awaited Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (Amendment) Bill, aiming to elevate artists’ earnings from their crafts.
Excited about the milestone in the creative industry, artists yesterday joined Hon. Nobat Mao at his residence in Lubowa to commemorate the passing of the Copyright Bill.
The star-studded dinner was graced by members of the creative industry, despite their differing political ideologies. Among these included Ziza Bafana, Nina Roz, Eddy Kenzo, Halima Namakula, Cindy Sanyu, Betty Mpologoma, Sarah Zawedde, and Ykee Benda, among many others.
It is here that Hon. Nobat Mao hinted at how the government plans to implement the law, revealing that enforcement will be technological, with monitoring tools connected to the Uganda Communication Commission (UCC) systems installed across different entertainment centres.
ALSO READ: Parliament Passes Copyright Amendment Bill to Boost Creatives Earnings, Artists Celebrate
He revealed that music-monitoring tools will be mandatory in all entertainment venues, highlighting that one of the conditions for obtaining a trade license will be the installation of a copyright chip in hangout spots.
Mao made it known that the URSB, working with the Police, will inspect activities around entertainment corners to ensure that monitoring tools are not tampered with.
He urged the bar owners, among others, to comply with the government, to enable the smooth flow of work.
VIDEO: Minister Norbert Mao has outlined how the government intends to enforce the Copyright Law, stating that they plan to install monitoring chips in entertainment venues and emphasizing that compliance will be mandatory. pic.twitter.com/M3gBnMjCah
— Patro Uganda (@PatroUganda) March 26, 2026
