Uganda Performing Rights Society (UPRS) has held its annual general meeting that saw new board members elected.
Some of the music stakeholders that were elected include Ray Signature, Martin Nkoyoyo aka Yoyo, Allan Toniks, Ray Signature, Ramisah Jovia, Producer Washington, Artin Pro, and Nick Nyombi.
The AGM was hosted at the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) Auditorium and was supported by Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) and the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC).
While addressing the more than 100 musicians, producers, composers and publishers , Sam Okello, the UPRS chairman noted that they continue to engage its members, fostering collaborations and digitizing services to meet the twenty first century requirements.
He highlighted that the industry regulator , URSB, is working with other government agencies to fast track the implementation of the copyright law so that music stakeholders can earn more from their huge investments.
At the AGM, Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) challenged musicians to unite and collectively push for policies that promote the music business or else the industry may never achieve its full potential.
Ragga Dee, real names Daniel Kazibwe the PSFU Board member representing creatives noted that even though PSFU is already working with UPRS and other regulatory agencies to streamline the industry and change its economic fortunes, musicians must actively play their part for the much sought-after success to be achieved.
“As a musician, I know the hustle involved in this industry. In the past, we have been on our own but now, several organizations have come to support us. Let us get the basic right. If it is an AGM, let us keep time and also elect people we have confidence in,” Mr Kazibwe said.
He noted that PSFU aims to catalyze the creative sector to create work opportunities for young people. He mentioned that they are doing this through several initiatives such as National Start-Up Policy.
“PSFU has played a significant role in supporting the development of the National Startup Policy, which addresses challenges in the creative industry, particularly those faced by the Uganda Performing Rights Society (UPRS) and other stakeholders. This policy encourages startups to innovate and collaborate, which UPRS can leverage to develop new strategies for efficient royalty collection and distribution, such as Song Boost,” Kazibwe said.
“The policy requires startups to allocate at least 30% of their budget to R&D, encouraging UPRS to partner with tech startups to create advanced systems for tracking and managing royalties. It also emphasizes stakeholder consultations, helping UPRS engage more effectively with the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) and the Rural Broadcasters Union (RUB) to find mutually beneficial solutions.”
Apollo Muyanja Mbazzira, the PSFU LFS Project Director noted that minus the National Start-Up Policy, they have other initiatives that directly benefit the creative industry.
He mentioned the Lead Firm Structure (LFS), in partnership with Mastercard Foundation that targets to create more than 300,000 jobs dignified and fulfilling jobs for youth and women and the PSFU Youth Engagement Strategy that aims at increasing the Youth participation in private sector initiatives.
Mr Muyanja urged musicians to unite for the good of the industry and collaborate more as this is one sure way of attaining success and winning more support.
Story By Nile Post