The Executive Director of Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), Thembo Nyombi, has announced plans to support the transition of Uganda’s legendary musicians into the digital streaming era to ensure they are fairly compensated for their timeless creative works.
Nyombi made the remarks on Sunday after leading a delegation from UCC, accompanied by legendary Kadongo Kamu artists, to Bulange Mengo, where they briefed the Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, on the Commission’s vision for Uganda’s creative content industry.
He said communication infrastructure such as masts, servers and smartphones would have little meaning without content, describing creative content as the lifeblood of the digital economy.
According to Nyombi, platforms such as TikTok and YouTube now account for more than 55 percent of local data traffic, reflecting the rapid shift from physical media, including tapes and CDs, to digital streaming platforms.
Nyombi noted that while young artists are benefiting from the digital ecosystem, UCC is taking deliberate steps to ensure that pioneering musicians are not left behind.
“We are bringing iconic Ugandan music into the digital streaming era so our legends can be fairly compensated for their timeless work,” Nyombi said.
He further revealed that UCC is establishing a state-of-the-art content archive and production hub to preserve Uganda’s creative heritage and safeguard the country’s artistic history for future generations.
This year, the Commission will honour legendary musicians Mzee Dan Mugula and Maama Hadijah Namale for their contribution to Uganda’s creative industry.
The two artists will be formally honoured during the “Ataakulaba Akunyooma” celebration scheduled for July 31, 2026, at Sheraton Gardens, as Buganda joins the nation in celebrating the Coronation of His Majesty the Kabaka.
Nyombi expressed gratitude to the Katikkiro for endorsing the initiative and reaffirming the enduring value of talent and creativity.
He called on Ugandans to continue supporting local creators and consuming Ugandan content.
