The Ugandan chapter of the Pan African Network for Artistic Freedom (PANAF) is set to host a discussion titled “The State of Artists’ Remuneration in Uganda.”
Spearheaded by Pearlwood, the leading body for Ugandan filmmakers, in collaboration with the Ugandan Musician Union (UMA), this event is scheduled for November 9 and will take place in the Chatroom section of the PANAF website, commencing at 2 pm (EAT).
In Uganda, where creatives, notably musicians and filmmakers, contend with the challenges of unrecorded remuneration and uncollected royalties totaling a substantial 360 billion Ugandan Shillings, this discussion becomes pivotal. The primary objective is to illuminate these critical issues and their wide-ranging consequences.
This engaging discourse will convene artists, legal experts, and industry stakeholders to confront the complexities surrounding artists’ remuneration and the current state of copyright law in Uganda. “We will explore the complexities of the system, ranging from the absence of documentation to the difficulties in registering creative works,” Pearlwood’s secretary general Julius Bwanika.
“As we unite for this transformative conversation, we hope to provide a comprehensive overview of the issues faced by artists and filmmakers and identify potential solutions. This session will be an eye-opener for all participants, including artists looking to protect their intellectual property rights, advocates for fair remuneration, and anyone interested in the vibrant creative arts sector in Uganda.”
Pearlwood and UMA emphasise the paramount significance of this discussion, as it addresses a long-standing and pressing concern within Uganda’s artistic realm: the lack of equitable remuneration and protection for artists’ intellectual property rights. With substantial estimated losses from uncollected royalties, the creative sector grapples with challenges that hinder its growth and sustainability. By providing a platform for dialogue and raising awareness, this discussion empowers artists and stakeholders to collectively seek solutions, comprehend the intricacies of the current legal framework, and advocate for a fair and supportive environment that justly rewards creative talent, ultimately ensuring the vibrancy and prosperity of Uganda’s artistic community.
To participate in this enlightening discussion on November 9, please register here to access the chatroom.