UFMI represents audio visual rights owners – Authors, Performers and Producers in Uganda. Section 31 of the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act 2006 states that;  “If a sound recording or audio visual fixation published for commercial advertisement purposes, or a reproduction of that sound advertisement recording or audio visual fixation is used directly or indirectly for broadcasting or other communication to the public, or is publically performed, unless otherwise agreed, a single equitable remuneration for the performer or performers and the producer of the sound recording or audio visual fixation shall be paid by the user to the producer”

Given the fact that it is practically impossible for the Authors, Performers and Producers to collect royalties from all users of their audio visual works (putting into consideration the fact that it is costly both financially and in terms of time), individual rights owners are advised to join UFMI and mandate us to collect royalties on your behalf as it reduces on the cost and time of collection of royalties.

UFMI MEMBERSHIP

Who should join UFMI as a member?

UFMI membership is open to all audio visual authors, performers and producers. The producer is the person who finances the production of an audio visual work like a film, comedy, adventure among others. Producers own copyright in the audio visual works produced. Audio visual authors are the screenplay writers while performers include actors and actresses. Authors and performers own neighbouring rights in the audio visual works produced.

How can I join UFMI?

To become a member, you have to fill in the form. Forms can be accessed from our offices located at Muganzirwaza Complex Building, Second Floor, Suite 3, Katwe Road, or you can register on our website www.ufmi.ug.

Here following are the requirements for UFMI membership.

• Must be Audio Visual Author, Performer or Producer.
• Membership fee 20,000/=
• Two passport photographs.
• Fill in the membership form, Deed of Assignment and work declaration forms.
• Copy of National Identity card
• Provide three hard Copies of your audio visual work(s)

1. Requirements for membership renewal

• Membership renewal fee 10,000/=
• Fill in the membership renewal form.
• Update your work declaration form
• Present your UFMI Identity Card

Download Membership Application Form

(This is a form filled by all audio visual copyright/neighbouring rights owners who are joining UFMI for the first time)

Download Deed of Assignment Form

(This is a form filled by all audio visual copyright/neighbouring rights owners who are joining UFMI for the first time)

Download Works Declaration Form

(This is a form filled by audio visual copyright/neighbouring rights owners declaring their audio visual works to UFMI. This form is filled in by both the new and continuing members).

N.B: After downloading the application forms please fill them and deliver them to our offices.

We are located at

Muganzirwaza Complex Building, Second Floor, Suite 3, Katwe Road.

Or call Tel: +256-414-670396, Mob: +256752570341

UFMI is regulated by Uganda Registration Services Bureau

Membership benefits

Your Membership Agreement and the assignment allow you to focus on creating more audio visual works, and free you from the hassle of collecting royalties from wherever your work is being used for commercial gain. This is where UFMI works for you.

The law protects copyright for a life time of the producer and 50 years after death while neighbouring rights are protected 50 years from the date of performance. This means that protection and management of your right(s) for economic and moral gain continues even after death. Whereas while you are living you do follow on all happenings, when you are gone, UFMI ensures your next of kin (and indeed your family) gets what is due to your work(s) for another 50 years.

When a UFMI member dies, his/her spouse, child, relative, next of kin or beneficiary under a will can apply for Membership. This successor member can collect royalties up to 50 years after the death of the UFMI member.

As a UFMI member, you will have the following benefits;

• Licensing users of your work(s):

As a UFMI member, you do not have to personally ensure you receive royalties when your audio visual work is used for commercial gain. UFMI does that for you. This lets you focus on the creative side of things. UFMI collects royalties through licensing agreements with audio visual users.

• Control and reduction of infringement activities:

UFMI works in collaboration with Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) Intellectual Property Enforcement Unit to protect audio visual works from any kind of infringement. This is basically done through enforcement activities were the pirates are sensitized about the dangers of copyright infringement and in collaboration with the territorial police, the Intellectual Property Enforcement Unit carries out operations to apprehend pirates and later prosecuted under the courts of law.

• Easy monitoring of audio visual works usage

UFMI monitors all its members’ works whenever used in order to enforce the conditions upon which the license has been granted, collect agreed license fees and finally distribute the royalties payable as a result of the licensed use.

• Awareness and skills development

In collaboration with relevant partners, UFMI offers career advice and professional skills development to its members. In addition, UFMI ensures increased awareness about copyright management through sensitization workshops organized throughout the country. During these workshops usually members ask questions which are responded to by the facilitators.

• Recommendations

UFMI recommends its members to be availed with any service they may wish to access more so in the production of audio visual works and the related activities.

• Participating in the General Meeting:

All Members have the right to participate in the General Meeting. During this meeting, all members participate in discussing all policy issues and in the formulation of all regulations and other governance matters. At an elective General Assembly, all members are free to vote for and get elected to any electable positions. This shows that UFMI is owned by its members and they have the final say as far as the CMO management is concerned.

We are located at

Muganzirwaza Complex Building, Second Floor, Suite 3, Katwe Road.

Or call Tel: +256-414-670396, Mob: +256752570341

UFMI is regulated by Uganda Registration Services Bureau