New making rounds in the pearl of Africa is that the government is to put up laws to regulate the operations of musicians. The government through the ministry of Gender, Labor, and Social Development has already drafted a bill that will be taken to the parliament to transform it into law. The proposal has got a backlash from all corners of Uganda from the musicians to the public. Many artists have come out to talk about their discontent with the yet-to-be laws.
While on the NBS uncut show on local tv, Dr. Hilderman the mazongoto hitman said that he was so disappointed in the impunity of the government since they did not involve the stakeholders (musicians) while coming up with the laws. For a long time, they have been urging the government to meet them to talk about the loopholes of the existing laws that govern the art industry but it was all in vain
He further said that the government is under pressure since many musicians have switched to the political wing and have pulled a big crowd of supporters. The move was an act to weaken the musicians but they won’t give up on the good cause of changing Uganda into a better country.
Here are some of the proposed laws on the music industry
1-Every Artist shall need a License to operate in Uganda.
2-It’s Illegal to Practice Public Entertainment when you have no License from the Ministry
3- No Artist shall shoot a Music Video without Permission from the Ministry of Labor
4- An artist will not perform in more than one venue unless the next performance is 4hours after.
5- Artist performance time shall not be less than 60minutes and not more than 120minutes.
6-No Artist will perform abroad unless you have permission from the ministry.
7-No Indecently dressed Artist will be allowed on stage
8-Every Event promoter must provide a hygiene kit to each performing Artist at an Event.
9- Any artist who uses vulgar language on stage will have their license canceled
10- An artist who takes drugs (Marijuana, cocaine, etc.) before his performance commits an offense and will be punished
11- An artist found in unhygienic condition will not be allowed to perform on stage.
12- Any artist who performs abroad without a license shall be disqualified as an artist for a year.
13-There shall be a censorship board to filter Entertainment content and ensure discipline among the artists. (This shall have a disciplinary committee)
14- Every Artist will have to register their works with the Ministry of Gender.