In a significant shift within East Africa’s economic landscape, Uganda has surpassed Tanzania to become the second-richest country in the region by GDP per capita, following Kenya. This information comes from the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) projections for 2025. According to the IMF’s October 2024 World Economic Outlook (WEO), Uganda’s GDP per capita is estimated at $1,300, narrowly exceeding Tanzania’s $1,270, while Kenya leads the region with a GDP per capita of $2,190. Rwanda, often referred to as the “Singapore of Africa” due to its aggressive development model, has a GDP per capita of approximately $990 to $1,022. This development is a significant moment for Uganda, highlighting years of economic progress and strategic investments, even as broader regional dynamics and global economic conditions influence these results.

GDP per capita, calculated by dividing a country’s total economic output (GDP) by its population, provides insight into average economic well-being. The IMF’s 2025 projections indicate:

• Kenya: $2,190 – Solidifying its status as East Africa’s economic powerhouse.
• Uganda: $1,300 – A notable advance, overtaking Tanzania by a slim margin.
• Tanzania: $1,270 – A slight decline relative to Uganda, despite having a larger overall economy.
• Rwanda: Approximately $990 to $1,022 – Experiencing steady but slower growth compared to its neighbors.

These figures contrast with 2023 data from the World Bank, where Kenya stood at $1,952.3, Tanzania at $1,224.5, and Uganda at $1,002.3. The IMF’s forward-looking estimates suggest that Uganda’s per capita income has grown significantly, driven by a projected real GDP growth rate of 6.0% in 2024 and 7.0% in 2025, outpacing Tanzania’s expected 5.4% and 6.0% growth for the same period.

Uganda’s economic rise can be attributed to a combination of structural reforms, growth in various sectors, and strategic investments particularly in its emerging oil sector. Here are the key drivers:

• Oil and Gas Boom: Uganda’s oil sector is approaching commercial production, with projects like the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) and the Tilenga and Kingfisher fields poised to enhance revenues. While actual production is expected to begin around 2025-2027, preparatory investments have already spurred economic activity, attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) and stimulating related sectors such as construction and logistics.
• Diversified Growth: Beyond oil, Uganda has shown strong performance in mining, construction, and hospitality. The African Development Bank reported a 4.6% GDP growth in 2023, decreasing from 6.3% in 2022, but projections for 2024 and 2025 suggest a rebound driven by consumer demand and regional trade. Although agriculture still employs 70% of the workforce, higher productivity sectors like services and manufacturing are emerging.
• Population Dynamics: With a population of approximately 49 million, Uganda’s economic gains are translating more effectively into per capita terms compared to Tanzania’s larger population of 65 million. This balance allows Uganda’s GDP growth to have a more direct impact on individual income levels.

Tanzania has experienced steady but relatively slower per capita growth compared to its neighbors. In 2023, the country’s economy grew by 5.2% and is projected to grow by 5.4% in 2024 and 6.0% in 2025, according to the IMF. Key drivers of Tanzania’s economy include agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism, along with public investments and business-friendly reforms under President Samia Suluhu Hassan. However, Tanzania’s larger population dilutes its per capita figures. Its total GDP ($79.06 billion in 2023) significantly exceeds that of Uganda ($48.77 billion), highlighting the distinction between overall wealth and per capita metrics.

Kenya maintains its leading position due to its diversified and industrialized economy, which encompasses sectors such as finance, technology (e.g., M-Pesa), and agriculture, with a projected GDP growth rate of 5.0% to 5.5% for 2025. Meanwhile, Rwanda, despite its effective governance and urban development, faces challenges due to its smaller economic base. Its GDP per capita is increasing but still lags behind its regional counterparts due to reliance on tourism and agriculture.

Uganda’s economic ascent is not without challenges. The country’s public debt-to-GDP ratio rose to 49.6% in 2023, which is considered sustainable but indicates a need for fiscal discipline as oil revenues begin to ramp up. Additionally, poverty has increased, from 21.4% in 2017 to 30.1% in 2020, highlighting that per capita gains have not yet reached all segments of the population. Tanzania is currently facing tight financing conditions and exchange rate pressures, although its inflation remains low at 3.0%-4.0%. Kenya is grappling with debt servicing costs, while Rwanda’s high growth, projected at 7%-8%, is moderated by its smaller economic base.

Globally, the IMF forecasts a 3.2% growth rate for 2025, with Sub-Saharan Africa projected to grow at 4.0%-4.2%, suggesting that East Africa remains a bright spot. If Uganda manages its oil-driven trajectory effectively, it could solidify its position in the region. Still, Tanzania’s larger economy and Kenya’s regional dominance ensure a competitive landscape.

While the claim about which country is the “richest” hinges on GDP per capita, this perspective is somewhat narrow. Total GDP reflects a country’s economic size, in which Tanzania and Kenya outpace Uganda. Using purchasing power parity (PPP) or assessing wealth distribution might yield different rankings. Nonetheless, Uganda’s emerging status underscores its potential as a rising player in the region, reshaping narratives once dominated by Kenya and, to a lesser extent, Tanzania.

On February 28, 2025, President Yoweri Museveni approved a groundbreaking Copyright Management System (CMS) for Uganda’s music industry, marking a significant milestone in the protection of intellectual property for musicians. This system, developed with input from State House scientists and key stakeholders, aims to address long-standing issues such as piracy, inadequate royalty collection, and the lack of a formalized structure for compensating artists. This article delves into the history of copyright in Uganda, the development and approval of the CMS, how Uganda can build a robust system, lessons from other Collective Management Organizations (CMOs), and the challenges ahead.

Uganda’s copyright framework has evolved over the years, with the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act of 2006 serving as the primary legislation. This Act, supplemented by the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Regulations of 2010, provides the legal foundation for protecting musical works, sound recordings, and performances. Key provisions include:

• Economic Rights: Musicians can control the reproduction, distribution, public performance, and adaptation of their works.
• Moral Rights: Artists retain the right to claim authorship and object to distortions of their work.
• Automatic Protection: Copyright applies upon creation, though registration with the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) strengthens enforcement.

Despite these legal provisions, the system has faced significant challenges:

• Ineffective Royalty Collection: The Uganda Performing Rights Society (UPRS), the primary CMO, has been criticized for low payouts and inefficiency. For instance, artist Angella Katatumba received only UGX 102,933 in 2023 for years of plays.
• Piracy: Unauthorized reproduction and distribution of music have been rampant, undermining artists’ earnings.
• Lack of Digital Integration: The existing framework has struggled to adapt to the digital age, where streaming and online platforms dominate music consumption.

The Approval of the 2025 Copyright Management System

The CMS represents a transformative step in addressing these challenges. Its approval followed years of advocacy by musicians, led by Eddy Kenzo, President of the Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF). Key milestones include:

• 2023 Advocacy: The UNMF petitioned the government to amend the 2006 Act, highlighting the need for modernized copyright enforcement.
• 2024 Proposal: A delegation of musicians, led by Kenzo, presented the CMS framework to President Museveni at State House Entebbe.
• Cabinet Approval: The Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (Amendment) Bill 2024, which underpins the CMS, received Cabinet approval in early 2024.
• Presidential Endorsement: On February 28, 2025, Museveni approved the CMS during a meeting in Rwakitura, attended by key stakeholders, including Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa and State Minister for Culture Peace Mutuuzo.

How the CMS Will Work

The CMS is designed to modernize royalty collection and combat piracy through a combination of technology, stakeholder collaboration, and legal enforcement. Key components include:

1. Technological Foundation
   • Digital Registration: A centralized database will allow musicians to register their works, including metadata such as song titles, artists, and composers.
   • Audio Fingerprinting: Devices installed in entertainment venues (bars, radio stations, TV broadcasters) will use audio fingerprinting to log every instance a registered song is played.
   • Real-Time Monitoring: The system will integrate with digital platforms and physical venues to provide real-time data on music usage, enabling accurate royalty calculations.
2. Stakeholder Collaboration
   • Government Support: Agencies like the Uganda Police, Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), and Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) will enforce compliance.
   • Artist Involvement: The UNMF, led by Eddy Kenzo, has played a pivotal role in shaping the CMS to reflect musicians’ needs.
   • Industry Buy-In: Media houses, venue owners, and broadcasters are being engaged to adopt the system, with assurances of fair licensing fees.
3. Implementation Steps
   • Pilot Phase: The CMS will launch in major urban centers like Kampala, testing devices in select bars, radio stations, and TV channels.
   • Device Deployment: Entertainment venues will install monitoring devices linked to the CMS database.
   • Licensing Framework: Businesses playing music will pay annual licensing fees, with a percentage allocated to artists based on tracked usage.
   • Royalty Distribution: A transparent mechanism will distribute royalties periodically, using play count data to ensure fairness.
4. Legal and Policy Backbone
   • The CMS builds on the 2006 Act and its 2010 regulations, with the 2024 amendment bill strengthening digital enforcement.
   • Anti-piracy measures will deter unauthorized reproduction and distribution, with legal action possible against violators.

Lessons from Other CMOs and Digital Platforms

Uganda’s CMS can draw valuable lessons from established systems like YouTube Content ID, BMI, ASCAP, and the Adobe Content Authenticity Initiative:

• YouTube Content ID: Uses digital fingerprinting to track and monetize content globally. Uganda’s CMS can adopt similar technology for digital platforms.
• CMOs (BMI, ASCAP): Operate globally, collecting and distributing performance royalties. Uganda can model its royalty distribution mechanism on these organizations, ensuring transparency and efficiency.
• Adobe Content Authenticity Initiative: Focuses on metadata to ensure content authenticity. Uganda’s CMS can incorporate similar metadata standards to track ownership and usage.

Challenges and Solutions

1. Infrastructure: Uneven power and internet access in rural areas could hinder device deployment. Solutions include solar-powered devices and offline data storage with periodic syncing.
2. Compliance: Small venues may resist adoption due to costs. Phased enforcement and subsidies for initial setup can ease this transition.
3. Awareness: Many artists, especially in rural areas, may lack knowledge of the system. UNMF-led campaigns and local government outreach can address this gap.
4. Funding: The CMS requires significant investment for device deployment, database setup, and training. Government allocation and international partnerships can provide the necessary resources.

Considerations for a Robust CMS

Role of International Partnerships

Global Collaboration: Uganda’s CMS could benefit from partnerships with international organizations like WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization) and UNESCO, which have experience in supporting copyright systems in developing countries.

Tech Partnerships: Collaborating with global tech firms (e.g., Google, Audible Magic) could provide access to advanced audio fingerprinting and digital tracking technologies, reducing the cost and complexity of developing the system from scratch.

Potential Economic Impact

Job Creation: The CMS could create jobs in areas such as device installation, system maintenance, and data management, contributing to economic growth.

Increased Tax Revenue: By formalizing the music industry, the government could collect more taxes from licensing fees and royalties, which could be reinvested in the creative sector.

Tourism Boost: A thriving music industry could enhance Uganda’s cultural appeal, attracting tourists interested in live music and cultural events.

Digital Integration Beyond Physical Venues

Streaming Platforms: While the CMS initially focuses on physical venues, integrating with digital platforms like Spotify, Boomplay, and YouTube will be crucial for capturing online music consumption.

Social Media: Platforms like TikTok and Instagram are increasingly used for music promotion. The CMS could explore ways to track and monetize music usage on these platforms.

Addressing Inequality in the Music Industry

Support for Emerging Artists: The CMS should include mechanisms to ensure that emerging and independent artists benefit equally, not just established stars. This could involve lower registration fees or grants for new talent.

Gender Equity: Women in the music industry often face additional barriers. The CMS could incorporate initiatives to support female artists, such as targeted outreach programs or funding opportunities.

Long-Term Sustainability

Regular Audits: To maintain transparency and trust, the CMS should undergo regular audits by independent bodies to ensure fair royalty distribution and efficient operations.

Adaptability: The system should be designed to evolve with technological advancements and changes in music consumption patterns, ensuring its relevance in the long term.

Public Awareness Campaigns

Educating the Public: Many Ugandans may not understand the importance of copyright or how the CMS works. Public awareness campaigns, including radio, TV, and social media, can help build support for the system.

Engaging Local Leaders: Collaborating with local leaders and influencers can help spread awareness in rural areas, where information about the CMS may not reach easily.

Legal Reforms Beyond the CMS

Strengthening Copyright Laws: While the CMS is a significant step, broader legal reforms may be needed to address issues like digital piracy, cross-border copyright enforcement, and the rights of producers and composers.

International Agreements: Uganda could explore joining international copyright treaties, such as the Berne Convention, to protect its artists’ works globally.

Potential Risks and Mitigation Strategies

Data Privacy Concerns: The CMS will collect vast amounts of data on music usage. Robust data protection measures will be needed to prevent misuse or breaches.

System Overload: A sudden influx of registrations could overwhelm the system. A phased rollout and scalable infrastructure can help manage this risk.

Corruption and Mismanagement: To prevent corruption, the CMS should have clear governance structures, independent oversight, and mechanisms for reporting misconduct.

Case Studies from Other Countries

South Africa’s SAMRO: The Southern African Music Rights Organization (SAMRO) has successfully managed royalty collection for decades. Uganda could study its model to learn best practices.

Kenya’s MCSK: The Music Copyright Society of Kenya has faced challenges but offers lessons on what to avoid, such as lack of transparency and delayed payouts.

Role of Musicians’ Unions and Associations

UNMF’s Ongoing Role: The Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF) will play a critical role in monitoring the CMS’s implementation and advocating for artists’ interests.

Grassroots Involvement: Local musicians’ associations can help ensure that the system reaches artists in remote areas and addresses their specific needs.

Environmental Considerations

Eco-Friendly Devices: The CMS could prioritize the use of energy-efficient or solar-powered devices to minimize its environmental impact.

Recycling Programs: Old or outdated devices could be recycled or repurposed to reduce electronic waste.

Potential for Regional Expansion

East African Integration: If successful, the CMS could be expanded to other East African Community (EAC) countries, creating a unified copyright system for the region.

Cross-Border Royalties: The system could facilitate the collection of royalties for Ugandan artists whose music is played in neighboring countries, and vice versa.

Monitoring and Evaluation Framework

KPIs for Success: Key performance indicators (KPIs) such as the number of registered works, royalty distribution timelines, and piracy reduction rates should be established to measure the CMS’s effectiveness.

Feedback Mechanisms: Regular surveys and feedback sessions with artists, venue owners, and other stakeholders can help identify areas for improvement.

Cultural Preservation

Traditional Music: The CMS could include provisions to protect and monetize traditional Ugandan music, ensuring that cultural heritage is preserved and compensated.

Local Languages: Encouraging the registration of works in local languages can promote linguistic diversity and cultural expression.

Future-Proofing the System

Blockchain Technology: Exploring blockchain for royalty distribution could enhance transparency and reduce administrative costs.

AI and Machine Learning: These technologies could be used to improve audio fingerprinting accuracy and detect unauthorized usage more effectively.

Vision for Success

For the CMS to succeed, Uganda must:

• Secure Funding: Government allocation, supplemented by international partners like UNESCO or tech firms, will be critical.
• Provide Training: Technical support for artists and venue operators will ensure smooth adoption.
• Ensure Transparency: Clear communication on royalty calculations and distribution will build trust among stakeholders.

Broader Impact

The CMS has the potential to transform Uganda’s music industry, providing financial security for artists, combating piracy, and attracting investment. If successful, it could serve as a model for other East African countries, positioning Uganda as a regional leader in creative rights protection.

The Uganda Police Force Annual Crime Report for 2024 highlights a 4.1% decrease in overall crime compared to 2023. Reported cases dropped from 228,074 in 2023 to 218,715 in 2024. While this reduction suggests improvements in law enforcement and crime prevention efforts, a significant number of cases remain unresolved.

Out of the reported crimes, 81,750 cases were taken to court, resulting in 26,328 convictions, indicating progress in the justice system. However, 43,579 cases are still pending, highlighting the need for faster case processing. Additionally, the number of arrests stood at 88,985, demonstrating that police investigations have successfully identified and charged many suspects.

The report includes a crime rate indicator, revealing that 476 out of every 100,000 people in Uganda were victims of crime in 2024. Although crime has decreased, it remains a significant concern.

Crime Trends & Distribution

Crime is not evenly distributed across Uganda. Some areas experience higher crime rates due to population density, economic conditions, and social factors. The report identifies Kampala Metropolitan, Busoga, and Greater Masaka as crime hotspots, which reported the highest numbers of cases.

Crime rates were not consistent throughout the year, with peaks occurring in February, April, and September. These fluctuations may be attributed to seasonal factors, economic challenges, or social events that tend to trigger criminal activities.

The most commonly reported offenses in 2024 were:

• Theft (61,529 cases): This includes the theft of mobile phones, motorcycles, vehicles, and livestock. Theft remains the most widespread crime due to its financial impact and ease of execution.
• Assault (29,580 cases): Physical violence, including fights and domestic disputes, continues to be prevalent.
• Domestic violence (14,073 cases): This figure highlights ongoing issues related to gender-based violence and family conflicts.
• Sex-related offenses (14,425 cases): This category encompasses defilement, rape, and other sexual crimes, which remain a serious concern.
• Break-ins (13,511 cases): Many households and businesses fell victim to burglaries and forced entries.

The persistence of these crimes suggests that, while law enforcement is making progress, certain social and economic issues continue to drive criminal behavior.

Homicides & Violent Crimes

Homicide cases continue to pose a challenge in Uganda, with various forms of murder reported, including:

• Murder by assault: Victims die due to physical beatings.
• Murder as a result of mob justice: A disturbing trend where communities take the law into their own hands.
• Murder by strangulation: Often linked to personal revenge or domestic conflicts.
• Murder by shooting: Involving organized crime or illegal firearm possession.
• Murder resulting from domestic violence: Conflicts within families sometimes lead to tragic deaths, particularly among women and children.

The report indicates that the police are actively investigating these cases; however, community involvement is crucial in preventing such crimes.

Sexual & Child-Related Crimes

The numbers of sex-related crimes, particularly defilement (child sexual abuse) and rape, remain alarmingly high. While some cases have resulted in convictions, many others are either under investigation or pending trial.

Child-related crimes, including neglect, abandonment, and abuse, continue to be serious issues, suggesting the need for stronger child protection measures, increased public awareness, and improved legal enforcement.

Economic & Corruption Crimes

Economic crimes, such as bank fraud, land fraud, and corruption, were also highlighted in the report. These crimes undermine trust in institutions and hinder economic development. The report indicates that corporate fraud and land-related scams were among the most commonly reported offenses.

Corruption remains a major issue affecting both public and private institutions. Despite ongoing efforts to combat corruption, cases continue to surface, indicating the need for stronger anti-corruption laws and enforcement mechanisms.

Cybercrime & Media Offenses

With the increase in internet use, cybercrimes are on the rise. These include:

• Online fraud: Scammers deceive people into misleading financial transactions.
• Hacking: Unauthorized access to personal and corporate data.
• Fake news and misinformation: Manipulation of online content for political or financial gain.

Law enforcement is focusing on digital surveillance and cybersecurity measures to combat these growing threats.

Traffic and Road Safety

While crime rates have declined, road safety deteriorated in 2024. The report highlights the following findings:

• Road traffic crashes increased by 6.4%, rising from 23,608 in 2023 to 25,107 in 2024.
• Fatal crashes rose by 6.1%, resulting in 4,434 recorded deaths.
• Serious crashes, which lead to severe injuries, increased by 5.2%.

The primary causes of road accidents included reckless driving, speeding, and pedestrian negligence, with the Kampala Metropolitan area and major highways recording the highest number of fatalities. To address this issue, the government is implementing stricter traffic laws, enhancing road safety education, and increasing police patrols.

Fire and Rescue Services

The report indicates a 13.8% rise in fire incidents, totaling 1,280 fires reported in 2024. A major concern is that:

• 67% of fires occurred between 6 AM and 12 PM, primarily in homes and makeshift structures.
• Fires in schools increased by 9%, raising concerns about fire safety in educational institutions.

The police and fire departments are focused on improving response times and conducting awareness campaigns on fire prevention.

Interpol and International Crimes

Uganda’s Interpol and international relations division has addressed cross-border crimes, including:

• Drug trafficking, where illegal substances are smuggled through the country.
• Motor vehicle theft, with stolen vehicles being moved across borders.
• Extradition of wanted criminals, cooperating with international agencies to track fugitives.

Efforts are underway to enhance Uganda’s presence in global crime prevention networks.

Community Policing and Future Strategies

A significant policing reform in 2024 was the implementation of the Sub-County Policing Model, which assigns 18 police officers to each sub-county. This strategy aims to bring police services closer to communities, enhance crime prevention, and ensure quicker response times. Other key strategies for 2025 and beyond include:

• Improving police welfare by providing better housing, healthcare, and training for officers.
• Investing in technology, which involves expanding the use of CCTV surveillance, biometric identification, and digital crime databases.
• Strengthening partnerships through collaboration between police, local councils, and community leaders to prevent crime.

The Annual Crime Report for 2024 indicates a slight decrease in crime rates, but challenges persist. Law enforcement agencies are focusing on improving crime prevention strategies, expediting justice processing, and enhancing community engagement. However, pressing issues such as domestic violence, sex-related crimes, corruption, and road safety demand urgent action.