The copyright.ug blog
Uganda's copyright law, made practical.
Clear reporting and practical guides for creators, rights holders, and businesses. Every article identifies the law, regulation, form, or filing route behind it.
Editor's pickContracts and Reversion
The 25-year reversion right: what it is and how it works
Section 13A of the 2026 Amendment gives creators the right to reclaim transferred copyrights after 25 years. Here is exactly how the clock works.
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Essential reading
The questions creators and businesses ask most often, answered against Uganda's current copyright framework.
Registration and OwnershipWhat is copyright registration in Uganda and why does it matter?
Copyright exists automatically when you create an original work. Registration at URSB gives you a public record and stronger enforcement options.
Registration and OwnershipWho owns the copyright: employer, commissioner, or creator?
The default rule is that the author owns copyright. Employment and commission arrangements can shift ownership, but only within specific statutory limits.
Contracts and ReversionWhat every copyright contract must contain under the 2026 law
The Act and Regulations now require specific terms in copyright assignment and licensing contracts. Missing any of them may affect the contract's enforceability.
25 articles
Registration and OwnershipWhat is copyright registration in Uganda and why does it matter?
Copyright exists automatically when you create an original work. Registration at URSB gives you a public record and stronger enforcement options.
Registration and OwnershipWho owns the copyright: employer, commissioner, or creator?
The default rule is that the author owns copyright. Employment and commission arrangements can shift ownership, but only within specific statutory limits.
Contracts and ReversionThe 25-year reversion right: what it is and how it works
Section 13A of the 2026 Amendment gives creators the right to reclaim transferred copyrights after 25 years. Here is exactly how the clock works.
Contracts and ReversionWhat every copyright contract must contain under the 2026 law
The Act and Regulations now require specific terms in copyright assignment and licensing contracts. Missing any of them may affect the contract's enforceability.
Royalties and Collecting SocietiesCollecting societies in Uganda: who they are and what they do
Collecting societies manage and distribute royalties on behalf of creators. The 2026 Regulations set strict compliance requirements for how they operate.
CRBT and Digital LicensingCRBT revenue: your rights as a creator under Section 39A
The law guarantees creators specific percentage shares of caller ring-back tone revenue. Here is what you are entitled to and how to check.
Enforcement and TakedownsHow to send a takedown notice under Section 49A
If your copyrighted work is being used without permission online, Section 49A gives you a formal process to demand its removal.
For BusinessesMusic licensing for businesses: what you need to know
If your business plays music publicly — in a shop, restaurant, hotel, or event — you need specific licences. Here is what the law requires.
Registration and OwnershipOrphan works: how to legally use a work when you cannot find the owner
The 2026 Regulations create a formal process for using works whose copyright owners cannot be identified or located after a diligent search.
Royalties and Collecting SocietiesResale rights for visual artists: the 10% royalty you may be owed
Regulation 48 gives visual artists the right to 10% of the sale price every time their original work is resold. Here is how it works.
Registration and OwnershipHow long does copyright last in Uganda?
Copyright duration varies by work type. All terms run to the end of the calendar year, not from a specific date.
Contracts and ReversionWhy and how to register your copyright contract at URSB
Section 34 requires registration of assignments and exclusive licences within 60 days. Here is the practical process.
Film & AudiovisualFilm copyright in Uganda
A film rights record brings together the works, performances and agreements within a production.
Film & AudiovisualWho owns what in a film?
Map possible rightsholders without treating a job title as proof of ownership.
Film & AudiovisualActors’ and performers’ rights
Record the performance and the ways it may be used.
Film & AudiovisualProducer rights and documentation
Build a record of the production agreements and audiovisual fixation.
Film & AudiovisualScreenwriter rights
Start with the script and any underlying work.
Film & AudiovisualMusic rights in film
Separate composition, lyrics, recording and performance records.
Film & AudiovisualUsing existing music in film
Check what each permission covers before relying on a music agreement.
Film & AudiovisualFilm distribution rights
Compare distribution plans with the documented rights.
Film & AudiovisualStreaming rights
Document online uses and the scope of each agreement.
Film & AudiovisualFilm contracts
Record the terms and documentation that need checking.
Film & AudiovisualContract registration
Calculate a date and identify questions for review.
Film & AudiovisualChain of title for a film
Connect contributions to agreements and supporting references.
Film & AudiovisualBeijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances
Understand the source framework for performer education.