The Uganda Law Society has voiced strong opposition to the government’s proposal to impose a 10-year prison sentence or a UGX 50 million fine for copyright infringement, labeling the penalties as excessive. This response came during a presentation to the legal committee, led by Kenneth Muhangi, Chairperson of the ICT Cluster at the Uganda Law Society.
The Copyrights and Neighbouring Rights Amendment Bill, 2025, seeks to modify Clause 14 (1), increasing penalties significantly from the current 100 currency points (UGX 2 million) or a maximum of four years’ imprisonment. The proposed penalties would escalate to 2,500 currency points (UGX 50 million) or up to 10 years in prison.
In addition to opposing the severe penalties, the Uganda Law Society urged Parliament to introduce legislation regulating the use of artificial intelligence in copyright and intellectual property. They emphasized the need to protect the rights of creators in Uganda.
Muhangi stated, “While bearing in mind we recommend that the Bill should ensure clarity on the treatment, protection, and ownership of such works,” highlighting the importance of addressing image rights through either a standalone law or comprehensive provisions within the existing framework.
Despite their concerns, the Uganda Law Society welcomed the overall enactment of the Bill, considering it a necessary reform that aligns Uganda’s copyright regime with international obligations while supporting creators.
This development marks a crucial step in the ongoing dialogue about copyright and intellectual property rights in Uganda, as stakeholders continue to navigate the complexities introduced by modern technology.
