Uganda is hosting a three-day symposium on copyright and related rights management from October 19 to 21, 2026, as the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) works to strengthen intellectual property protection and unlock the economic potential of the country's creative industries. The event is taking place at Speke Resort Munyonyo and is organised in partnership with the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) under the theme "Empowering Creativity: Harnessing IP for Sustainable Development in Africa."
The symposium brings together policymakers, intellectual property experts, creators, rights holders and industry stakeholders to explore practical ways of strengthening copyright administration, improving royalty management and promoting the commercialisation of creative works. Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Norbert Mao stressed that copyright protection must benefit creators directly. "Copyright protection must translate into tangible benefits for creators. Our legal and institutional frameworks should enable artists, writers, filmmakers and other innovators to protect their work, earn from their talent and contribute meaningfully to national development," Mao said.
ARIPO Director General Bemanya Twebaze highlighted the importance of regional cooperation in building effective copyright systems across Africa. He said collaboration among intellectual property offices and other stakeholders was essential to protect creative works, promote commercialisation and expand opportunities for creators across the continent. URSB Board Chairman Francis K. Butagira noted that protecting and commercialising creative works could support enterprise growth, attract investment, create employment and ensure that Africa's cultural and creative resources contribute to sustainable development.
URSB Registrar General Mustapher Ntale said the symposium reflected the Bureau's commitment to helping Ugandans understand, protect and derive economic value from their intellectual assets. "Creativity must be supported by systems that respect ownership, facilitate fair remuneration and enable creators to build sustainable livelihoods. Through awareness, effective administration and stakeholder collaboration, we can help unlock the value of Uganda's creative potential," Ntale said.
Participants are expected to discuss challenges affecting the creative sector, including piracy, licensing and the exploitation of digital content. The discussions will also examine the Kampala Protocol on Voluntary Registration of Copyright and Related Rights, which was adopted in August 2021 under the ARIPO framework. Through the symposium, URSB and its partners seek to strengthen copyright management, promote respect for intellectual property rights and encourage greater commercialisation of creative works as part of broader efforts to build an environment in which creativity supports innovation, entrepreneurship and job creation.