Renowned Ugandan musician King Saha, real name Mansur Ssemanda, has announced his plans to lead a protest march to Parliament, demanding an urgent amendment to the Copyright and Intellectual Property Law.
The singer, who has been vocal about artists’ rights and the unfair treatment of musicians, revealed that he has reached out to fellow industry players who are willing to join the cause.
"I don't have time to appease my tormentors, and I can never join them. We have demanded copyright reforms peacefully, and they have refused to listen to us. I am calling for a protest march to Parliament, and we will demand its amendment," he stated.
King Saha emphasized that he has lost trust in dialogue with the government, arguing that artists have been engaged in endless meetings with officials, only for their concerns to be ignored.
"The government will never amend the Copyright Law through dialogue. If we keep negotiating, they will keep using us without delivering any real results. We need to demand our rights as artists," he added.
The singer, known for his outspoken nature, believes that this protest will be the most effective way to pressure lawmakers into action.
The Copyright Law of Uganda, which governs intellectual property rights for artists, has long been criticized for failing to adequately protect musicians, filmmakers, and other creatives. Many artists argue that they do not receive fair compensation for their work, as their intellectual property is often exploited without consequences.
Saha’s planned protest is expected to gain traction among industry stakeholders, with several artists already voicing their support on social media. The march could mark a turning point in the fight for artistic rights in Uganda.