Entertainers from Northern Uganda pose for a group photo with URSB officials at Bomah Hotel in Gulu City on October 12 during a consultation meeting over amendment of the copyright law. PHOTO/COURTESY
The Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) in collaboration with key stakeholders October 12 organized a meeting to engage artists from Northern Uganda in consultations regarding the amendment of the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Law 2006.
The consultative meeting sought to gather valuable insights and perspectives from the arts and creative community to ensure that the proposed amendments align with their interests and needs.
The meeting, which took place at Bomah Hotel in Gulu, attracted regional artists, music producers, book writers, audio-visual producers, film, movie and music stars, music promoters as well as other arts stakeholders from across Northern Uganda.
Dozens of local performers had the chance to be taken through a complete overview of the proposed amendments, the rationale behind the amendments and how they seek to address the evolving needs of the industry.
Organizers say the interactive sessions “offered artists the opportunity to ask questions, seek clarification, share ideas and engage in discussions with stakeholders in a bid to ensure that the proposed amendments are comprehensive, practical, and beneficial to the artist community.”
URSB Registrar General Mercy K. Kainobwisho said the entity is organizing similar consultative meetings across the country to ensure that all stakeholder interests are covered in regard to the amendment of the copyright law.
“These engagements serve as an opportunity for you as artists to network, connect with fellow artists, and explore potential collaborations. By fostering a sense of community and collaboration, we can collectively strengthen the creative industry in Northern Uganda, while ensuring that the copyright law is re-worked to enable you tap into the immense benefits from your craft,” she noted.
“URSB highly encourages all artists to actively participate in these meetings and contribute their valuable insights. These perspectives will shape the future of the Copyright Law and have a direct impact on the protection and support provided to artists industry in Uganda,” she added.
The proposed amendments to the Copyright Law aim to address emerging challenges, provide stronger protection for artists’ intellectual property, and support the growth and sustainability of the creative industry.
URSB partnered with the Ministry of Justice & Constitutional Affairs, the Uganda Law Reform Commission, Uganda Communications Commission, representatives of Collective Management Organisations, Uganda Musicians’ Association, National Cultural Forum, Uganda National Music Federation to organize the engagement that was used as a platform for artists to share their perspectives, concerns, and suggestions regarding the proposed amendments.