ROYALTIES

Understanding Music Royalties in Uganda

Music royalties are the payments that artists, songwriters, and producers receive when their music is used, played, or sold. When an artist creates a song, they should earn money whenever it is streamed, performed, broadcast, or sold. Royalties ensure that musicians get fair compensation for their work.

Types of Music Royalties

Performance Royalties – Earned when music is played on the radio, TV, streaming services, or in public places like bars and events.

Mechanical Royalties – Paid when a song is copied or downloaded (e.g., from CDs, digital stores, or streaming platforms).

Synchronization (Sync) Royalties – Earned when music is used in films, TV shows, ads, or video games.

Publishing Royalties – Paid to songwriters and composers when their compositions are used.

Who Pays Royalties?

Radio & TV stations pay royalties for playing songs.

Streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube pay based on streams.

Businesses & public venues (bars, hotels, concerts) should pay when they play music.

Filmmakers & advertisers pay when they use songs in their productions.

The State of Royalties in Uganda

Many Ugandan artists struggle to receive fair royalties because of weak enforcement and lack of awareness about music rights. In some cases, artists do not register their music correctly, making it difficult to track payments. Piracy and unlicensed use of music also prevent musicians from earning what they deserve.

Who Handles Royalties in Uganda?

Uganda Performing Rights Society (UPRS) – Collects and distributes royalties to musicians when their songs are played in public.

Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) – Helps with copyright registration and enforcement.

Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) – Regulates the media and ensures compliance with royalty laws.

How Can Artists Earn Their Royalties?

Register your music with UPRS to collect royalties.

Monitor your plays on radio, TV, and streaming platforms.

Work with distributors who ensure proper licensing and payments.

Educate yourself about royalty agreements before signing contracts.

Music royalties are essential for building a sustainable career in the industry. By registering their work and demanding fair payments, Ugandan artists can benefit from their creativity and grow the local music economy.