Uganda has taken a key step towards strengthening copyright protection after hosting a regional working group meeting on the Kampala Protocol at the Uganda Business Facilitation Centre last week.
The meeting, organised by the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) in collaboration with the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), brought together experts to discuss the implementation of the protocol and its benefits for creatives.
Leading the discussions, ARIPO’s Maureen Fondo, who represented the Director General, outlined how the Kampala Protocol will support voluntary registration of copyright and related rights across member states. She said the framework is expected to improve access to information, strengthen protection of creative works, and boost opportunities for artists, authors, and publishers.
Participants noted that Uganda already has a strong legal foundation for copyright through URSB, but emphasised the need for ratification to unlock regional benefits. Plans are underway to form a national working group to guide stakeholder consultations and prepare the necessary documentation for Cabinet approval.
The meeting also explored the development of an electronic copyright system to improve information sharing between ARIPO and national institutions, making registration more efficient.
Officials highlighted that the protocol will complement, not replace, Uganda’s existing laws while introducing a regional layer of protection.
Uganda presented a roadmap targeting ratification by 2026, with consultations and technical preparations already in progress to support the process.