Ugandan musician Weasel Manizo, whose real name is Douglas Seguya, has taken legal steps against the Uganda Performing Rights Society over what he describes as concerns surrounding the management of the Goodlyfe music catalogue.
Weasel has formally instructed UPRS to immediately remove the Goodlyfe catalogue from its royalty management system, following a reported royalty payment of just UGX 285,498 generated over an 18-month period.
The musician says the amount does not reflect the scale of Goodlyfe’s music usage across Uganda and has questioned how artists can benefit from the country’s royalty system if established catalogues receive such payouts.
The allegations were made in a legal notice issued to UPRS.
Weasel questions royalty collection process
According to the notice, Weasel accuses UPRS of alleged mismanagement, lack of transparency, and suspected fraud in relation to the collection and distribution of royalties connected to Goodlyfe’s works.
The notice states that the reported earnings from the catalogue are inconsistent with the group’s history of music being played on radio, television, at public events, and across other platforms.
The musician argues that the royalty figure raises concerns about the effectiveness of the current system for protecting and rewarding copyright owners.
“Over a period of 18 months, our catalogue was reported to have earned only UGX 285,498 in royalties. This amount is wholly inconsistent with the extensive broadcast, public performance, and commercial use of our music across Uganda via radio, television, public events, and all other platforms.”
The claims are contained in Weasel’s legal notice and have not been independently verified.
Goodlyfe catalogue becomes centre of dispute
The Goodlyfe catalogue represents years of music created by the duo Goodlyfe Crew, made up of Weasel and the late Radio (Ugandan musician).
The group became one of Uganda’s most influential music acts, producing popular songs and building a strong fan base across East Africa.
Because of the catalogue’s popularity and continued public use, Weasel argues that the reported royalty amount requires further explanation.
The musician’s legal notice says the handling of the catalogue represents a breach of trust owed to copyright holders.
Legal action threatened if catalogue is not removed
The notice warns UPRS that failure to stop managing the Goodlyfe catalogue and remove the works from its system could result in legal proceedings.
According to the document, Weasel’s legal team says possible claims could include copyright infringement, breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, and fraud.
The notice also states that the action is being taken without affecting any other legal rights available to Goodlyfe Magic Limited.
UPRS has not provided a response to the allegations in the information available.
Uganda’s music industry has long debated issues surrounding copyright protection, royalty collection, and how artists are compensated when their works are used commercially.
Performing rights organizations are responsible for collecting certain royalties on behalf of copyright owners and distributing payments based on usage and agreements.
For many artists, accurate tracking of music plays and public performances remains a major concern within the entertainment business.
Why It Matters
The dispute highlights a broader conversation about whether established artists receive fair compensation from music they created.
Goodlyfe’s catalogue remains one of the most recognizable collections in Uganda’s modern music history, making the reported royalty figure a significant point of discussion within the industry.
The outcome of the dispute could also influence how artists view royalty management organizations and copyright protection.
For Weasel, the issue goes beyond one payment. His complaint raises questions about whether musicians can rely on existing systems to protect the financial value of their work.
As Uganda’s entertainment industry continues growing, artists are increasingly demanding clearer accountability around ownership and earnings.
Weasel Manizo’s demand puts renewed attention on Uganda’s royalty system and the value of music catalogues. The next response from UPRS could determine the direction of the dispute.