SafeBoda is facing growing pressure after Ugandan musician Mark Mick accused the ride-hailing company of using his song “Safe Boda” in promotional content without paying him.
According to Mark Mick, SafeBoda initially approached him about licensing the song for a promotional campaign, with payment expected as part of the agreement. However, he claims the licensing deal was never finalized and that he did not receive payment despite the song being used in the company’s promotional materials.
The musician alleges that the song has been used in SafeBoda’s promotional campaigns in Uganda and more recently as part of the company’s launch activities in Kenya. He is now demanding Shs400 million in compensation over the alleged unauthorized use of his work.
For Mark Mick, the dispute is about more than financial compensation. The singer says the matter highlights the need for Ugandan musicians and other creatives to be treated as professionals whose intellectual property has genuine commercial value.
He argues that allowing companies to use artists’ work without properly completing licensing agreements or making payments could set a worrying precedent for the local music industry.
Mark Mick has chosen to make the matter public, saying that remaining silent could encourage businesses to use artists’ music first and negotiate compensation later.
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The Shs400 million demand has put additional pressure on SafeBoda to clarify its position and explain whether the song was used under a valid licensing agreement. As of publication, SafeBoda had not issued a public response to Mark Mick’s allegations.
The dispute comes at a time when the use of music in advertising and branded content continues to raise questions about copyright, licensing and fair compensation for artists in Uganda and across the region.
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