Kaggwa Andrew
Ugandan artists sang, danced, and campaigned their way into political favour. Today, they are confronting a harsh reality: proximity to power does not guarantee respect, let alone payment.
The ongoing debate around Clause 9 of the Copyright Bill has exposed something deeper than policy disagreement. It has revealed how easily creative work is dismissed when it is no longer politically convenient.
Artists like Sheebah Karungi, Eddy Kenzo, Ykee Benda and Pallaso have voiced frustration and rightly so. Because at the heart of this debate is a question that should never have to be asked: Should creatives be paid for their work?
When Anita Among suggests that airplay is sufficient compensation, it echoes a long-standing narrative that “exposure” is enough. But exposure does not pay studio bills. It does not compensate time, skill, or investment.
And more importantly, it sets a dangerous precedent.
If playing music is considered payment, then what stops piracy from making the same claim?
Let’s be clear: Clause 9 is not about making artists rich. It is about establishing a baseline of respect. It is about recognising that creative work has value and that value must be acknowledged, even if modestly.
Because once we normalise free usage under the guise of “promotion,” we blur the line between support and exploitation.
There is also a shift we cannot ignore.
In 2026, music discovery is driven less by traditional media and more by platforms like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and X. Radio no longer creates hits, it sustains them.
Which raises an important question for media and policymakers alike:
If music is the currency that keeps audiences engaged, why shouldn’t those who create it be compensated?
Clause 9 may not fix the economics of the creative industry. But it does something fundamental, it affirms that art is work.
And work must be paid for.
This post was created with our nice and easy submission form. Create your post!
Written by
Ugandan Arts and Culture Journalist. Film and theatre enthusiast. Photojournalist.
Did this story move you? Every gift goes directly to Kaggwa Andrew — writers on Muwado earn from reader appreciation, not algorithms. Even $1 makes a difference.
Muwado weekly chart
Get Africa’s top 10 stories every Thursday
No account needed — just your email.
Want to follow Kaggwa Andrew and get notified every time they publish?
Create a free Muwado account →