Ugandan music veteran Ragga Dee has announced his intent to sue fellow artist Mikie Wine for allegedly redoing his song “Oyagala Cash” without permission. The development, reported on July 26, 2025, sparked discussions within Uganda’s music industry about copyright infringement and intellectual property rights.
“Oyagala Cash,” originally released by Ragga Dee in 2005, is a popular track known for its Afrobeat style and widespread appeal in Uganda. A remix of the song was released on March 10, 2025, under the Ragga Dee Deluxe project, further cementing its significance in his discography. Ragga Dee, a pioneer of Uganda’s ragga and dancehall scene, has long been vocal about protecting intellectual property in the music industry.
In a 2009 interview with The Observer, he highlighted the pervasive issue of plagiarism in Uganda, noting that bigger artists often steal songs from lesser-known musicians before they can be released, leaving the original creators with little recourse. More recently, in July 2024, he warned artists against redoing his music without consent, emphasizing the risk of legal action and financial penalties.
How Much Compensation Is Ragga Dee Demanding for Copyright Infringement?
In a legal notice addressed to Michael Mukwaya, popularly known as Mikie Wine, singer Ragga Dee is demanding compensation amounting to UGX 300,000,000 (Three Hundred Million Ugandan Shillings). The payment is expected within seven (7) days to avoid further legal action.
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The specific allegations against Mikie Wine center on his unauthorized reproduction of “Oyagala Cash.” Ragga Dee’s move enlights his commitment to safeguarding his creative work. The case echoes broader challenges in Uganda’s music industry, where copyright enforcement has historically been weak, allowing unauthorized reproductions to go unchecked. Ragga Dee’s earlier comments suggest that studios sometimes facilitate such practices, exacerbating the problem.
Has Mikie Wine Responded to Ragga Dee’s Threat to Sue Him?
Mikie Wine, a prominent figure in Uganda’s music scene, has not publicly responded to the allegations as of the latest reports, and the case is still developing. The outcome of this legal action could set a precedent for how copyright disputes are handled in Uganda, potentially encouraging stronger protections for artists. For now, the industry and fans await further details as Ragga Dee seeks to defend his legacy and intellectual property.