Kyagulanyi: Art reminds the law that behind every case is a human story
By Brian Mugenyi
Ugandan musician and lawyer Sylver Kyagulanyi has challenged legal practitioners to recognise the human experiences behind court cases, saying artistic expression can help the legal profession appreciate the personal stories behind the pursuit of justice.
“Perhaps the greatest contribution of Art to Law is reminding us that behind every case is a human being, behind every right is a human experience, and behind every pursuit of justice is a story waiting to be heard,” Kyagulanyi said.
He made the remarks during a panel session titled When Law Meets Art at the launch of the Uganda Law Society (ULS) Artist in Residence pilot programme, held as part of the society’s 70th anniversary celebrations (ULS@70).
Kyagulanyi’s reflection highlighted the connection between law and artistic expression, emphasising that justice is not only about legal provisions and courtroom procedures but also about understanding the people whose lives are affected by legal decisions.
The session brought together members of the legal fraternity and creative industry practitioners to explore how art can contribute to legal discourse, public understanding and the promotion of human rights.
The programme also marked the unveiling of the Uganda Law Society’s first Artist in Residence, an initiative intended to create closer engagement between legal professionals and artists.
The gathering at the ULS offices in Kololo, Kampala, attracted lawyers, musicians, social media influencers and other personalities from the creative sector.
Among those present were Justice Oscar Kihika of the Court of Appeal, a jurist and musician who previously served as president of the Uganda Law Society; Hon. Fred Mukasa Mbidde; Shillah Namahe; and other representatives of the legal and creative communities.
The event featured artistic performances and discussions on the role of creativity in society, including the need to protect the rights of people whose livelihoods depend on artistic work.
Connecting law and creativity
The Artist in Residence pilot comes amid growing recognition of the creative industry as an important contributor to employment, entrepreneurship, cultural expression and national development.
For artists, musicians, writers, filmmakers, photographers and digital content creators, legal protection is central to safeguarding original work and ensuring that creators retain control over how their productions are used and commercially exploited.
The discussions therefore also focused on intellectual property rights, copyright protection and the formalisation of creative work.
The engagement brought into focus the challenges facing Uganda’s growing community of digital creators, including unauthorised reproduction of content, copyright infringement and the need for stronger awareness of contractual and licensing arrangements.
Kyagulanyi’s contribution offered a perspective on how artistic expression can complement the work of the legal profession by giving visibility to human experiences that may otherwise be overlooked in formal legal processes.
Social media influencers join the conversation
The Federation of Uganda Social Media Influencers (FUSMI) also participated in the engagement, highlighting the growing role of digital creators in promoting Uganda’s culture, talent, businesses and tourism opportunities.
Edison Kirabira, president of FUSMI, said the federation had partnered with the Uganda Law Society to raise awareness about content creators and their contribution to the country.
“As the Federation of Uganda Social Media Influencers, we were invited to enlighten content creators, and we have partnered with the Uganda Law Society to create awareness about content creators in Uganda,” Kirabira said.
He welcomed the partnership, saying it offered an opportunity to bring content creators closer to legal professionals and improve understanding of the challenges affecting the digital creative industry.
Through platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and X, Ugandan creators are increasingly sharing stories about local culture, tourism, entertainment and business with audiences beyond the country’s borders.
The collaboration between ULS and FUSMI is expected to encourage greater legal awareness among creators while promoting responsible content production and respect for intellectual property.
The engagement also speaks to Uganda’s long-term development ambitions under Vision 2060, particularly the potential of the creative economy to support innovation, employment and international visibility.
As the country continues to explore opportunities in the digital economy, the relationship between law and art presents an important conversation about protecting creative talent while ensuring that artistic expression contributes to society.
Kyagulanyi’s message captured the central theme of the panel: behind legal arguments and the pursuit of justice are people, experiences and stories that deserve to be heard.
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