Uganda Honors World Culture Day, Calls for Protection of Artists’ Rights in Digital Era

As Uganda commemorates World Culture Day 2024, the government turns its focus towards advocating for the protection of artists’ rights in the digital era.

Led by Hon. Dr. Mutuuzo Peace Regis, the Minister of State for Gender and Culture Affairs, the celebrations center on the crucial role of safeguarding the intellectual property and creative expressions of artists amidst the digital revolution.

During a media conference held at the Media Centre in Kampala, Dr. Mutuuzo emphasized the need to address the challenges faced by artists in the digital landscape. She stressed the importance of regulations to ensure fair access to content and the protection of artists’ rights in an increasingly digitized cultural environment.

“Uganda recognizes the invaluable contributions of artists to our cultural landscape, and on this World Culture Day, we call for concerted efforts to protect their rights in the digital era,” stated Dr. Mutuuzo. “The proliferation of digital platforms has presented both opportunities and challenges for artists. It is imperative that we establish robust mechanisms to safeguard their intellectual property and ensure fair compensation for their creative works.”

The theme of this year’s World Culture Day, “Digital Transformation of the Culture and Creative Industries: Packaging Art and Culture as a National Public Good,” underscores the urgency of modernizing legal frameworks to support artists in adapting to the digital landscape while preserving cultural heritage.

Dr. Mutuuzo highlighted the government’s commitment to strengthening the cultural and creative industries through policy initiatives and legal reforms. She cited the review of the National Culture Policy and the Copyright and Neighboring Rights Act as significant steps towards supporting artists in the digital age.

“Uganda reaffirms its dedication to fostering a vibrant cultural sector where artists can thrive and contribute to our national identity and socio-economic development,” affirmed Dr. Mutuuzo.

As part of the World Culture Day celebrations, interactive sessions have been organized to facilitate dialogue between artists, cultural practitioners, and the public. These sessions aim to deepen understanding and raise awareness of the challenges faced by artists in the digital era.

Hon. Dr. Mutuuzo Peace Regis, emphasized the importance of this day during a media conference at the Media Centre in Kampala on Tuesday the need for regulating the digital sector, particularly major platforms, to benefit online cultural diversity, protect artists’ intellectual property rights, and ensure fair access to content for all.

“This theme has been selected to emphasize the need to modernize legal structures to support the digital transformation of the creative industries, while ensuring that art and culture remain accessible and beneficial to all members of society. It requires a thoughtful approach that balances creators’ rights with public access and supports the preservation and celebration of cultural heritage,” Dr. Mutuuzo stated.

She further noted that the theme aligns with the Conference of Ministers of Culture held in Mondiacult, September 2022, in Mexico, where 150 states declared for the first time that culture is a global public good.

Dr. Mutuuzo acknowledged the strides made by the government in promoting culture, including the review of the National Culture Policy and the Copyright and Neighboring Rights Act, as well as the integration of cultural objectives into the National Development Plans III and IV. These efforts aim to sustain cultural development and support artists and cultural practitioners.

“The Government is committed to strengthening the culture and creative industry, through the development of new policies and legal frameworks, the re-structuring of the culture and creative industry, the building of capacity of stakeholders and improving the status of artists in Uganda.” Dr. Mutuuzo said.

She added that a number of activities have been organised, to celebrate World Culture Day, involving cultural practitioners, artists, and the public for a deeper understanding and appreciation of cultural and creative practices.

“A series of activities have been organized ahead of World Culture Day, including interactive sessions between cultural practitioners, artists, and the public. These sessions aim to deepen the understanding and appreciation of Uganda’s rich and diverse cultural heritage. Local governments are also expected to organize events and report back on their observations, achievements, and challenges,” she added.

The Minister highlighted the relevance of preserving culture, noting that Uganda’s Constitution guarantees every individual the right to enjoy, practice, profess, maintain, and promote their culture.

“Uganda’s Constitution Article 37 provides that: every person has a right as applicable to belong to, enjoy, practice, profess, maintain and promote any culture. Uganda is also member of the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).” she noted

She emphasized that the day provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of culture in development and to celebrate Uganda’s cultural heritage.