Earlier this year, on January 10th, 2024, the Registrar General and the Inspector General of Police issued a joint public notice addressing copyright infringement. They emphasized the unwavering commitment of the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) and the Uganda Police Force (UPF) to enforce the rule of law, vowing to take strong measures to protect the rights of copyright holders. Yet, eight months later, piracy continues to pose a critical threat to the economic survival of artists, writers, and businesses in Uganda’s creative sector.
Piracy is a widespread issue that harms not just individual creators but also weakens the entire creative economy. While its covert nature makes the full extent difficult to measure, a 2020 report from the International Chamber of Commerce estimated that piracy and counterfeiting cost East Africa around $1.3 billion annually—half of Burundi’s GDP. In Uganda alone, a 2018 report from URSB estimated that piracy in the creative sector leads to losses of UGX 400 billion ($110 million) annually.
Piracy creates unfair competition for creators, as unauthorized copies of their works flood the market at cheaper prices. For example, a local publisher might struggle to sell a school atlas priced at UGX 60,000, while pirated versions go for UGX 30,000. Similarly, a musician faces the challenge of their music being sold on DVDs with over 1,000 songs for UGX 3,000, while foreign movie series can be found for as low as UGX 2,000.
These examples show how piracy conditions consumers to expect unsustainable prices, making it harder for creators to earn a fair income. The spread of digital gadgets has only worsened the problem, as they allow easy access to pirated content. Creators have lobbied for legal reforms, such as private copy remuneration and caller tune revenue sharing, but delays over the past three years have worsened the situation, eroding sales and the value of creative works.
Piracy doesn’t only cause financial damage; it also tarnishes consumer trust. Poor-quality pirated products can hurt a creator’s reputation, with publishers receiving complaints about books they never supplied, or buyers finding inappropriate content on pirated DVDs. These experiences erode consumer confidence in legitimate products, further damaging the market.
Collective Management Organizations (CMOs) like the Uganda Reproduction Rights Organisation (URRO), Uganda Federation of Movie Industry (UFMI), and Uganda Performing Right Society (UPRS) are leading the fight against piracy. These organizations work to ensure creators receive fair compensation through licensing, royalty collection, and anti-piracy campaigns. URRO, for instance, has introduced holographic labels to help consumers distinguish between genuine and pirated books, protecting authors, publishers, and distributors. UFMI targets illegal film vendors, pulling pirated content from the market, while UPRS focuses on safeguarding musicians’ rights and collecting royalties.
Although CMOs have made significant progress, defeating piracy requires a united effort. Artists, writers, and businesses must collaborate with these organizations to build comprehensive strategies, including public awareness campaigns to educate consumers on the value of purchasing authentic products. By promoting these initiatives, creators and enterprises can lead the charge in protecting intellectual property, positioning themselves as advocates for quality and integrity.
The fight against piracy is far from over, but by joining forces, we can make a difference. Supporting CMOs like URRO, UFMI, and UPRS isn’t just about protecting revenue—it’s about safeguarding the future of creativity. Together, we can ensure that creators are fairly compensated, consumers have access to high-quality products, and Uganda’s creative industries continue to thrive. The time for action is now. Let’s unite to protect what matters most: the creativity that defines our culture and enriches our lives.
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