Uganda’s comedy industry, once a thriving and dynamic sector, is now facing a noticeable decline, according to comedy duo Maulana and Reign. The comedians have expressed concern over the deteriorating quality of local comedy, attributing it to monetization, politicization, and the rise of social media platforms such as TikTok.
The Impact of Monetization and Politicization
Maulana Kasozi, one half of the comedy duo, argues that Ugandan comedy was progressing well until financial interests and political influences took center stage. According to him, early comedians focused on storytelling, cultural humor, and family-friendly jokes, which appealed to a broader audience. However, as comedy became more lucrative, many entertainers resorted to vulgar content and insults to attract viewership.
“The comedy industry was moving on well until it became monetized and politicized. Comedians focused on money, often resorting to insults,” Maulana stated during an interview.
This shift has led to the commercialization of comedy, where comedians prioritize financial gains over quality content. Additionally, politics has found its way into the comedy industry, with some comedians using their platforms to push political narratives, consequently alienating certain audiences.
The Role of Social Media and TikTok
Reign, the second half of the duo, pointed out that the emergence of platforms like TikTok has disrupted the traditional model of comedy distribution. Before the digital age, comedians largely controlled their content and earnings by selling DVDs, hosting live shows, and airing performances on television. Today, social media allows free and uncontrolled sharing of comedy skits, which has significantly reduced earnings for professional comedians.
“The rise of TikTok has largely affected comedy in Uganda. Initially, people mainly accessed our shows from our official platforms, but now, they can find them anywhere, even on TikTok,” Reign explained.
This shift has led to reduced revenue from live performances, as audiences now consume free content online rather than paying for shows.
Call for Copyright Protection
To address these challenges, Maulana and Reign are urging the government to amend Uganda’s copyright laws to help creatives regain control over their work and earn from their craft. The duo believes that enforcing copyright protection will ensure comedians benefit financially from their intellectual property, thereby improving content quality in the long run.
Ugandan comedy has seen both success and struggle. While technology and monetization have reshaped the industry, comedians like Maulana and Reign hope that necessary reforms will restore its original charm and artistic integrity.