The Uganda Law Society has launched a four-week Artist-in-Residence pilot programme designed to strengthen collaboration between lawyers and creative professionals, addressing longstanding concerns about copyright enforcement and intellectual property administration. The scheme was unveiled on Thursday at ULS House in Kololo during the Society's Radical New Bar ULS@70 celebrations, bringing together lawyers, musicians, designers and other creative industry participants.
Court of Appeal Justice Oscar Kihika, who officially launched the programme, argued that Uganda's creative sector held significant economic potential but faced persistent challenges around copyright enforcement and artists' contractual understanding. Kihika, a jurist and musician, called for creatives to seek legal advice before entering business arrangements and urged the legal profession to take a more active role in protecting artists. He also called for reforms to Uganda's copyright framework to address emerging challenges from artificial intelligence, digital platforms and technologies that did not exist when the Copyright Act was written in 2006. Kihika proposed establishing a dedicated ULS committee to handle entertainment, creativity and technology issues, and recommended stronger partnerships with the Uganda Registration Services Bureau, Uganda Performing Rights Society, Uganda Communications Commission and the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development.
ULS Vice President Anthony Asiimwe said the Society had identified a significant gap between the legal profession and the creative industry, particularly regarding artists' access to legal services. He noted that with more than 7,000 lawyers in Uganda, the profession had the capacity to provide the necessary support. The four-week pilot will host different artists at ULS House, allowing lawyers to better understand the sector's challenges and opportunities while giving creatives a platform to showcase their work.
Artist and lawyer Sylvia Kyagulanyi supported the initiative, stating it would help legal practitioners understand emerging business models shaped by artificial intelligence. However, she questioned the effectiveness of Uganda's copyright protection and administration systems, describing the current system as inadequate. Artist Joanita Kawalya highlighted how art had become a significant income source, making legal support increasingly important for creatives building sustainable businesses. The launch also recognised six individuals with Lifetime Achievement Awards for contributions to Uganda's creative industry: Julius Kyazze of Swangz Avenue, Samson Senkaaba, designer Monica Katoko, Joanita Kawalya, Sylvia Kyagulanyi and Victor Kamenyo.
The pilot programme will focus on intellectual property rights, formalisation of creative businesses and the human experiences that shape professional practice. ULS aims to position the legal profession as a key partner in growing and protecting Uganda's creative economy. Multiple speakers emphasised that a properly organised creative industry could create jobs, reduce poverty and support broader economic growth, with some artists earning more than professionals in other sectors.