Following President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s assent to the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (Amendment) Act, Shadow Minister for Creatives Hon. Hillary Kiyaga, a.k.a Dr. Hilderman, has applauded individuals he describes as the ‘uncelebrated brains’ behind the legislation.In a detailed message shared on his official Facebook page, Dr. Hilderman credited singer-songwriter-turned-lawyer Silver Kyagulanyi for playing a central role in drafting the law. He revealed that nearly 60% of the original bill was Silver Kyagulanyi’s contribution before it was later amended by the government.Dr. Hilderman extended special appreciation to his party president, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, commonly known as Bobi Wine, saying the assignment to serve as Shadow Minister for Creatives came with a clear mission, to modernise Uganda’s 2006 copyright framework to match current industry demands.He also acknowledged the former Leader of Opposition, Hon. Mathias Mpuuga, for facilitating the legislative process by linking him with Parliament’s legal team and lobbying for the bill to be placed on the Order Paper, enabling formal debate to begin.According to Hilderman, collaboration with the government followed after authorities expressed interest in refining the proposed amendments together, a process he says delayed the bill but ultimately helped push it to completion.He further thanked the current Leader of Opposition, Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi, for applying additional pressure to ensure the legislation was finalised within the 11th Parliament.In his statement titled “The Uncelebrated Copyright Brains,” Hilderman recognised several stakeholders and institutions, including the Uganda Law Reform Commission, Uganda Law Society, Parliamentary legal teams, creative industry associations, and fellow artists who participated in consultations.He emphasised that many contributors have not received public recognition despite making significant sacrifices to refine the bill.Kalifah AgaNaga praises politically active artists for pushing copyright reformThe Mawokota South MP revealed that at some stage he faced criticism and political resistance, joking that the nickname “WALYA” became attached to him during heated debates surrounding the bill.He noted that despite misunderstandings and attempts that allegedly slowed progress, the team remained focused on achieving reforms aimed at rewarding creatives.Dr. Hilderman stated that approximately 80% of the intended amendments were achieved, highlighting proposals such as the Private Copy Levy, which he believes could become a vital financial support mechanism for Uganda’s creative sector if implemented in future regulations.He concluded by thanking his constituents for entrusting him with the legislative platform that enabled him to champion the reforms.The newly assented Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (Amendment) Act is expected to reshape Uganda’s creative economy by strengthening protections for artists, performers, and content creators across the country.The post Dr. Hilderman applauds Silver Kyagulanyi’s 60% role in drafting Copyright Act appeared first on MBU.