Ugandan musician Eddy Kenzo has expressed disappointment in the Speaker of Parliament Anita Among over her remarks regarding the Copyright Amendment Bill.
Kenzo, who has been one of the strongest advocates for the amendment of the copyright law, has spent more than two years lobbying for the bill to be passed in Parliament of Uganda.
However, the singer said he was disappointed by comments made by the Speaker on Thursday when the bill was tabled for its second reading.
During the discussion, Among questioned why television and radio stations should be required to pay musicians when playing their music already helps promote them.
“I was very disappointed by the Speaker. Her comment that ‘how can I pay someone for playing their music yet I am promoting it’ was uncalled for, and as musicians we are worried,” Kenzo said.
The Copyright Law Amendment Bill seeks to strengthen protections for artists and ensure musicians earn royalties whenever their songs are played on broadcast platforms.
The bill is expected to return to Parliament this week for further debate as stakeholders from the creative industry continue pushing for its approval.