By Singer and songwriter Ray Signature has warned that Uganda’s struggling copyright framework and poor music-streaming culture are undermining the growth of the country’s creative industry, arguing that artists continue to lose income as their work is freely distributed without compensation.
In an exclusive interview with this publication, the artist said creating quality music requires both natural talent and significant investment, yet Ugandan musicians earn far less than they should due to rampant piracy, limited digital monetization, and the absence of fully enforced copyright protections.
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“People get our music for free on their phones and do not pay any coin,” Ray Signature said. “Bloggers put our music online and make money off ads while artists get nothing. Streaming can only pay if copyright is enforced.”
He noted that while the government has held a series of meetings with stakeholders on modernizing the copyright law particularly the digital rights components progress has been slow. Nonetheless, he said artists remain hopeful that change is near.
“At least I can tell you we are close to it,” he said. “We might not even benefit ourselves, but the next generation will. The digital part was not implemented, yet that is where the world is.”
Ray Signature said Uganda’s low internet penetration, low streaming rates, and public preference for free downloads continue to hinder musicians’ earnings despite heavy production costs. According to him, a high-quality music video can cost up to Shs15 million, and professionally written songs can cost more than Shs5 million.
He also emphasised that musical success depends on self-belief and early personal investment before any sponsor or label steps in.
“Every good talent starts on their own. If you really love music, you don’t wait for someone to invest in you,” he said.
On the issue of political divisions among fans and artists, Ray Signature urged Ugandans to respect each other’s choices, saying politics, like music, is a matter of personal preference. He distanced himself from partisan labels but said he appreciates achievements made by the current government while insisting he belongs to no political party.
The artist also announced a VVIP live experience scheduled for December Sunday 14 at Villa Bukoto, a show he described as a celebration of his career, mentors, collaborators, and lifelong supporters.
“It’s going to be a family night,” he said. “Everyone I’ve worked with is coming through my mentors, people I’ve mentored, my friends.”
The event will feature a full live band directed by singer Irene Ntale and a star-studded lineup including Lydia Jazmine, Geosteady, Ghetto Kids, Exodus, Levixone, and other performers. Table tickets are priced at Shs500,000 and Shs1 million.
Ray Signature said he remains committed to producing what he calls “good music,” adding that studio work remains central to his life and career.
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