Music Licensing – UPRS
Learn how UPRS licenses music usage and ensures creators are fairly compensated.
UPRS, as a Collective Management Organization (CMO), helps businesses and entities that use music—such as radio stations, shops, clubs, and television—obtain permission from copyright owners. This removes the burden of individual negotiations and simplifies licensing.
Membership is open to all copyright owners including performers, songwriters, publishers, and producers. UPRS is owned by its members and operates to protect their rights.
Its main role is to collect royalties through licensing agreements and distribute them to members. These licenses cover digital, broadcast, and public performance uses.
Through international agreements with foreign CMOs, UPRS also represents global music catalogs in Uganda, including major record labels affiliated through IFPI such as Sony Music, Universal Music, and Warner Music.
Click here to learn more about our affiliatesFrequently Asked Questions
What is copyright?
Copyright is intellectual property that protects original works such as music, books, films, software, and more once they are created in a tangible form.
Why should copyright be protected?
It encourages creativity, protects creators’ rights, and ensures they receive economic rewards for their work.
Where does UPRS derive its mandate?
From copyright law, its members, and its regulator—the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB).
Why should I pay for music?
Music requires investment to create. The law requires that anyone using music commercially must obtain permission through a license.
Who are the users of music?
Any business or establishment that plays music publicly is a music user and must obtain a license from UPRS.
Examples of Music Users
- Aircraft
- Beaches and similar open-air premises
- Live music performances
- Memory cards and memory sticks
- Blank tape levy
- Juke boxes
- Hotels, guesthouses and similar multi-roomed establishments
- Amusement arcades, parks and fairgrounds
- Roadhouses, take aways and similar premises
- Bars, gardens, pubs and similar premises
- Restaurants, cafes, coffee shops and similar premises
- Shops, stores, showrooms, offices, banks, gyms and similar premises
- Light music concerts
- Sports betting and similar premises
- Hairdressing salons and barbers’ shops
- Musical shows in halls, theatres and auditoriums
- Clubs
- Paid live music performances
- Ringtone service providers
- Radio and television diffusion services
- Karaoke, mimes, cabaret, dancing or floor shows
- Buses, taxis, minibuses and coaches
- Mobile DJs
- Discotheques and dance halls
- Sports stadiums and race tracks
- And many more…
Tariff Document
Download the official UPRS tariff document.
Tariff document not available.