Music superstar Edrisah Musuuza aka Eddy Kenzo alleges that powerful mafias are working behind the scenes to stall the Copyright Law amendment in Uganda.
The 36-year-old Grammy-nominated superstar who conquered the world with ‘Sitya Loss’ hit, has revealed he is currently locked in his most dangerous battle yet—not on the charts, but in the corridors of power.
The Ugandan music icon has sensationally claimed that the path to artist royalties is being deliberately sabotaged by “mafia” interests who have allegedly compromised Members of Parliament.
In a blistering address that has sent shockwaves through the political establishment, Kenzo suggested that while many legislators are fully aware of how the proposed copyright amendment could save the industry, they are being “strangled” by the influence of shadowy power brokers.
The row centers on the long-awaited amendment to the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act, which would ensure that musicians, filmmakers, and authors receive fair compensation when their work is used for profit.
However, Kenzo believes the bill is hitting a brick wall for one reason: greed.
“Legislators understand the importance of this law for creatives,” Kenzo declared.
“But I believe some may have been compromised by powerful interests—the mafias.”
The singer’s “mafia” terminology refers to wealthy lobbyists and corporate interests who benefit from the current “free-for-all” system, where artists’ work is often used by broadcasters and commercial entities without a single cent being paid back to the creator.
Industry insiders suggest that these “mafias” likely represent powerful figures in the media and telecommunications sectors who fear that a robust copyright law would slash their profit margins.
According to Kenzo, these interests are using “dirty money” to ensure the law remains toothless, effectively keeping the nation’s most talented stars in a state of “glorified poverty.”
The global star, who has long campaigned for better conditions for his fellow artists, warned that the “billions of shillings” currently being lost to the industry are being diverted into the pockets of the few, while the creators of the culture struggle to pay their bills.
The stall in Parliament comes at a critical time for the East African arts scene, which is currently enjoying unprecedented global attention.
Critics argue that without the legal framework to collect royalties, the next generation of talent will be “suffocated” before they can even begin. Kenzo’s outburst is seen as a final, desperate plea to unmask those blocking the path to progress.
As the debate rages on, all eyes are now on Parliament. Will the legislators prove Kenzo wrong, or will the “mafias” continue to call the tune for Uganda’s music industry?
