Museveni signs Copyright law, seven others

President Museveni has assented to eight pieces of legislation, including Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (Amendment) Act, 2026 which seeks to modernize Uganda’s 2006 copyright laws to better protect creators in the digital age and ensure they receive fair compensation for their work.

Passed by Parliament on March 17, 2026, the law provides stiffer penalties for infringement for piracy, introduces fines of up to Shs50 million and imprisonment for up to 10 years, or both for anyone who violates it.

Unlike before, the Registrar of Copyright or owners can now issue orders to…