Licensing FAQ – UPRS

• Entertainment & Hospitality: Bars, clubs, hotels, restaurants, discotheques, amusement parks, and sports stadiums.
• Retail & Services: Shops, banks, gyms, salons, and betting venues.
• Public & Broadcast Media: Radio and TV stations, ringtone service providers, and jukeboxes.
• Transport: Buses, taxis, and aircraft.
• Events & Performances: Concerts, karaoke, live music shows, and theaters.

• Supports musicians financially.
• Contributes to government revenue.
• Strengthens the music industry and economy.
• Ensures better sound quality and device longevity.

• Musicians lose income.
• The government loses tax revenue.
• You risk arrest, prosecution, and confiscation of unauthorized copies.

Copyright is the legal protection granted to original works such as music, books, and paintings, giving creators exclusive rights to control their use.

• It rewards creators for their work.
• It fosters creativity and innovation.
• It ensures fair economic benefits for artists.

Copyright protection is automatic once a work is created in a tangible form. Registering with UPRS strengthens enforcement and global recognition.

• Who They Are: A non-profit society founded in 1985 to administer copyright in Uganda.
• What They Do: Collect and distribute royalties to musicians.
• International Reach: Works under CISAC for global copyright enforcement.

• Ensures you receive royalties from local and international use of your music.
• Protects your work against unauthorized use and piracy.
• Advocates for increased airplay of local music.
• Provides financial support for musicians in need.

Yes. Commercial users benefit from music and must pay for its use, just like other utilities such as water or electricity.