In a recent push for amendments to the Copyright Law Bill, Ugandan artists have also called for media houses to play 90% Ugandan music. However, this request has been met with skepticism by the Parliament’s ICT Committee, which described the demand as both “unreasonable and impractical.”
The amendment process is still ongoing, with various legislators collaborating to implement the law. Yet, the artists’ plea for increased airplay of local music remains uncertain. The ICT Committee, led by Vice Chairman Tony Ayoo, argued that talent recognition is a global affair dictated by quality. Ayoo stated, “The request that 90% of songs should be Ugandan is both unreasonable and impractical, as talent globally is dictated by quality. Ugandan music, therefore, has to match the quality of music from elsewhere to receive adequate airplay.”
Ayoo further highlighted the liberalized nature of the media market, emphasizing that consumer interests govern media content. He argued that the proposed 90% music airplay quota would face opposition from consumers who view it as an infringement on their freedom to choose their entertainment content.
The call for the Copyright Law amendment has gained momentum with the appointment of Hon. Phiona Nyamutooro as one of the new ministers. Nyamutooro, a close friend of Eddy Kenzo, the president of the Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF), has been at the forefront of advocating for the bill’s speedy passage through parliament.
