By Hussein Kiganda
Maureen Nantume has urged musicians in the August House to fast track the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act.
During an interview on September 26, 2022, the Nkuze singer said if the Act is not amended to suit the trends, musicians could lead miserable lives.
“I pray that the Act comes into effect as soon as possible so that we, the creatives, can be bailed out. If it’s not done, fans will continue organising car wash fundraisers for us. At the moment, so many people eat off our sweat and we do not earn enough,” she said.
Her remarks came after fellow singer Geoffrey Lutaaya, the Member of Parliament for Kakuuto County, revealed that artistes were backing Hilary Kiyaga alias Dr. Hilderman (Mawokota North MP) in the fight for the amendment of the Act.
“We shall lobby for numbers in Parliament to see that our ‘things’ go through. Kiyaga has been fronting the issue of copyright and we are backing him. I am very sure it will be resolved,” Lutaaya said on September 25, 2022.
Following the meeting between the Uganda Musicians Association and the newly-appointed minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Nobert Mao, on August 31, 2022, the ministry promised to support and front the copyright amendment agenda.
