One association. A national voice for musicians.

The Save Ugandan Music Movement

Following these early meetings, a WhatsApp group named Save Ugandan Music was created. It brought together musicians, media owners, entertainment entrepreneurs and other music industry stakeholders.

The group included figures such as Kin Karisa and Innocent Nahabwe. It provided a space for discussions about airplay, artist promotion, copyright, royalties and the wider organisation of Uganda's music industry.

Although disagreements emerged over the movement's immediate priorities, the discussions showed that musicians needed a permanent body through which they could speak collectively, address industry problems and engage government and private-sector stakeholders.

This process led to the establishment of the Uganda Musicians Association.

Formation of UMA

Ugandan musicians formally launched the Uganda Musicians Association on 28 November 2017.

UMA was founded in line with Article 29(1)(e) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, which protects freedom of association. Its constitution and by-laws were registered with the Registrar of Documents in Uganda.

The founding executive leadership included:

• Julius Kyazze, Chairperson
• Angella Kalule, Vice Chairperson
• Sylver Kyagulanyi, Secretary
• Mesach Semakula
• Dr Hilderman
• A Pass

UMA was established to provide musicians with an organised platform for representation, coordination and collective action.

Our Founding Purpose

UMA's founding mission was to protect and preserve Ugandan music. The Association was created to:

• Promote unity among musicians
• Organise and professionalise the music business
• Represent musicians in discussions with government and industry institutions
• Support collective bargaining
• Promote Ugandan music and improve access to local media and performance platforms
• Protect the rights and interests of musicians
• Provide members with legal, professional and career-development support

Membership was opened to musicians, vocalists, instrumentalists, music producers and artist managers. Honorary membership could also be granted to individuals whose work made a meaningful contribution to the music industry.

Registered members were eligible to receive membership identification and access services such as legal representation, music business information, seminars, workshops and industry development programmes.

Building Collective Power

UMA's early years focused on building unity among musicians and demonstrating the value of collective organisation.

The Association became involved in discussions about copyright administration, royalty payments, local music promotion, artist welfare and the governance of music industry institutions.

UMA also developed a working relationship with the Uganda Performing Right Society (UPRS), particularly around concerns about royalty administration, accountability and the payment of music creators.

The Association continued to encourage musicians to register their works, participate in collective management systems and strengthen the institutions responsible for protecting music rights.

Growing Beyond Kampala

UMA gradually expanded its work beyond Kampala by establishing regional structures and artist clusters.

On 6 November 2021, the Association supported its Elgon Region Cluster in Mbale with UGX 2 million for capacity building. Such initiatives formed part of UMA's wider plan to build regional participation and give musicians outside the capital a stronger voice in national industry discussions.

UMA also supported member participation in savings, welfare and economic empowerment programmes through organised SACCO structures.

A Broader Music Industry Vision

As UMA developed, its role grew beyond responding to airplay concerns. The Association began addressing wider issues affecting musicians, including:

• Copyright law and enforcement
• Royalty collection and distribution
• Artist contracts and legal protection
• Professional standards
• Access to finance
• Music export and market access
• Social protection and welfare
• Skills development
• Digital platforms and music technology
• Government policy affecting the creative sector

UMA also recognised that a successful music industry depends on many professionals, including artistes, producers, managers, instrumentalists, promoters, publishers, lawyers, media practitioners and other service providers.

This created a broader vision of an Association that represents musicians while working closely with all stakeholders who contribute to the music economy.

UMA Today

UMA has grown from a campaign for increased Ugandan music airplay into a national membership organisation representing musicians across Uganda.

The Association continues to advocate for fair treatment, stronger copyright protection, professional development, improved royalty systems and greater economic opportunities for musicians.

Its progress has included moments of debate, change and institutional reform. These experiences have helped shape an organisation that continues to learn, strengthen its systems and respond to the changing needs of Uganda's music community.

UMA remains guided by the belief that musicians achieve more when they organise, speak with one voice and work towards shared goals.