By The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has issued a stern reminder to all broadcasters and media houses in the country to secure proper copyright licences before airing any audiovisual content on television or digital platforms.
According to UCC, the move comes as part of ongoing efforts to enforce the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act, Cap. 222, which grants creators exclusive rights over the use, reproduction, distribution, and public performance of their works. Section 43 (1) of the law stipulates that anyone intending to use another person’s work for commercial purposes must first obtain authorization from the rights holder or their authorized agent.
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The commission emphasized that broadcasters must obtain licences from one of three sources: directly from copyright holders, from duly authorized agents, or through Collective Management Organizations (CMOs) such as the Uganda Federation of Movie Industry (UFMI), which represents local filmmakers, producers, and performers.
UCC noted that UFMI is only authorized to license works owned by its registered members or foreign societies with which it has reciprocal agreements. Broadcasters are therefore advised to verify the legitimacy of any licensing claims, ensure permissions cover the works in question, and obtain separate authorization for international content where required.
Failure to comply with the licensing requirements, UCC warned, could attract legal or regulatory action under both the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act and the Uganda Communications Act, Cap. 103.
In a statement, the commission said the notice aims to promote lawful broadcasting practices, uphold intellectual property rights, and support the growth of Uganda’s creative industry.
“This is a call to all media houses to respect the rights of creators while contributing to the development of a vibrant and sustainable creative sector,” the statement reads.
