Copyright reforms matter beyond the entertainment industry

In April 2026, Uganda made important progress with the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (Amendment) Act when it was signed into law by the President. Stronger penalties for infringement, enhanced digital protections, and improved royalty mechanisms mark a meaningful step toward modernising the country’s Intellectual Property (IP) framework.

However, to fully realise the law’s potential, we must broaden the national conversation. Copyright reform is not just an issue for the creative and entertainment sector; it is a critical enabler of innovation, economic growth, education,…