Uganda’s creative industry is stepping up its fight against piracy, a problem stakeholders say continues to rob filmmakers, musicians, broadcasters and other content creators of their income while undermining growth in one of the country’s most promising sectors.
During an episode of The Ugandan Podcast hosted by the Ministry of ICT & National Guidance, regulators and industry players warned that the battle against piracy is becoming more complex, urgent and expensive.
Dr Abdul Sallam Waiswa, Head of Litigation, Prosecution and Legal Advisory at the Uganda Communications Commission, said piracy encompasses any act in which a person uses another’s creative work for personal benefit without permission. Under the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act of 2006, creators have exclusive rights over their work, meaning any interference is punishable.
Waiswa said piracy has evolved from illegal copying of DVDs to sophisticated digital theft including decrypting pay-TV signals and the use of internet-connected devices that broadcast premium content for free.
He added that many consumers who think they are simply streaming a movie are often unknowingly participating in copyright infringement, denying creators the chance to commercially exploit their work.
Device-based piracy is now among the fastest-growing threats. Waiswa explained that some gadgets imported into the country come with software that cracks encrypted pay-TV signals, allowing users to access entire channel bouquets at no cost. He described the devices as a major setback for the industry.
For broadcasters like MultiChoice Uganda, the financial impact is severe. PR and Communications Manager Rinaldi Jamugisa likened piracy to theft, saying pirates acquire content illegally and sell it cheaply while legitimate broadcasters continue to shoulder high production and licensing costs.
Citing a 2020 International Chamber of Commerce report, he said East Africa loses an estimated $110 billion to piracy annually, with Uganda alone losing $110 million including over $25 million in government revenue.
Beyond financial loss, Jamugisa said piracy devastates livelihoods across the value chain, from actors and crew members to editors and sound engineers.
Filmmaker and actor Mathew Nabwiso said the vice has made film production increasingly unsustainable, noting that projects often run out of funds because significant revenue is lost to illegal distributors. He also raised concerns about online platforms he claims host pirated foreign content while competing directly with local creators.
Waiswa acknowledged the concerns but noted UCC’s regulatory limits. However, he urged creators to report infringements, saying the Commission can investigate any licensee found airing unauthorized content. MultiChoice, meanwhile, continues to invest in anti-piracy technology through its global cybersecurity arm, Irdeto.
Jamugisa also warned the public about the risks of pirated streaming sites, including data theft, cybercrime and inadvertently funding criminal networks. He said users who provide personal information to illegal platforms expose themselves to fraud and financial loss.
Despite the challenges, stakeholders agree that combating piracy requires collective action from regulators, creators, broadcasters and the public to protect livelihoods and ensure the sustainability of Uganda’s creative economy.