Radio & Weasel Terminates Mandate with UPRS Over Shocking Royalties
Kampala, Uganda — Singer Douglas Mayanja, popularly known as Weasel Manizo, has officially terminated the mandate of the Uganda Performing Rights Society (UPRS) to manage the Goodlyfe Music catalogue, citing gross mismanagement and suspected fraud after the body paid him a paltry UGX 285,498 in royalties collected over 18 months.
Through his company, Goodlyfe Magic Limited, trading as Radio & Weasel, the musician issued a formal termination notice to UPRS dated July 7, 2026, demanding the immediate withdrawal of all his works from the society’s databases and licensing systems.
“Inconsistent” Earnings
In the letter addressed to the UPRS Chief Executive Officer, Weasel expressed outrage over the royalties received, describing the amount as “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 letter, signed by Weasel in his capacity as Director of Goodlyfe Magic Limited, accuses the copyright management body of fundamental breach of trust and fiduciary duty owed to the legal copyright holders.
“The Goodlyfe catalogue, which includes timeless hits like Zuena, Bread and Butter, and Nakudata, remains one of the most played and performed catalogues in Ugandan music history,” the notice read in part.
Legal Demands
The termination notice set out three key demands:
· Immediate withdrawal of all Goodlyfe works from UPRS databases, public listings, and licensing systems;
· A full verified audit report and complete statement of all funds collected on their behalf, with outstanding amounts remitted within 14 calendar days;
· Submission of all usage reports, licensing agreements, broadcast logs, and cue sheets relating to their works within the same period.
Weasel gave UPRS 14 days to comply with all requirements, warning that failure to cease management of the catalogue would result in legal proceedings for copyright infringement, breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, and fraud.
“This notice is issued without prejudice to any other legal rights or remedies available to Goodlyfe Magic Limited,” the letter stated.
A Troubled Relationship
The move highlights growing frustration among Ugandan musicians over royalty collection and distribution by collective management organizations. Artists have frequently complained about opaque accounting practices and meager payouts despite significant airplay and public usage of their works.
Goodlyfe Magic Limited, founded by the late Mowzey Radio and Weasel, was one of Uganda’s most successful music groups, producing numerous chart-topping hits that remain staples on radio and at events across the country and beyond.
The late Moses Ssekibogo (Mowzey Radio) and Weasel dominated the Ugandan music scene for over a decade, earning a massive fanbase both locally and internationally. The continued commercial value of their catalogue makes the UGX 285,498 payout over 18 months particularly questionable to industry observers.
What Next?
With the termination of the mandate, UPRS is now legally barred from licensing or collecting royalties on behalf of Radio & Weasel. The ball is now in the court of the copyright body to respond to the demands or face legal action.
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