URSB Takes Centre Stage as Uganda Moves to Protect Artists and Unlock Billions in Creative Industry
The Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) is intensifying efforts to protect intellectual property and help creators earn from their talents as Uganda hosts a major regional symposium aimed at transforming the creative industry. The three-day meeting, which began on October 19, 2026, at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala, has brought together government officials, intellectual property specialists, artists, filmmakers, writers and other stakeholders to discuss ways of strengthening copyright protection and improving earnings for rights holders.
The Symposium on Copyright and Related Rights Management is being organised by URSB in collaboration with the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Running until October 21, the event is being held under the theme “Empowering Creativity: Harnessing IP for Sustainable Development in Africa,” with discussions focusing on protecting creative works, improving royalty collection and expanding opportunities for commercialising intellectual property.
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Norbert Mao emphasised that copyright protection should deliver meaningful financial benefits to the people behind creative works. He said Uganda needs effective laws and institutions that enable artists, writers, filmmakers and innovators to safeguard their creations, earn from their efforts and contribute to the country’s development.
ARIPO Director General Bemanya Twebaze highlighted the importance of cooperation among African countries in building stronger intellectual property systems. He noted that closer collaboration between intellectual property offices and industry stakeholders could improve copyright administration, promote the commercialisation of creative works and create opportunities for African creators to benefit from their talents beyond their home countries.
URSB Board Chairman Ambassador Francis K. Butagira described intellectual property as an important tool for economic transformation, pointing to its potential to support businesses, attract investment and create jobs. He emphasised that Africa’s cultural heritage and creative resources could generate greater economic value if creators received adequate protection and opportunities to commercialise their work.
URSB Registrar General Mustapher Ntale said the bureau remains committed to helping Ugandans understand their intellectual property rights and benefit from their creative output. He explained that effective copyright systems should recognise ownership, facilitate fair remuneration and enable artists and other creators to establish sustainable livelihoods through their work.
The symposium is also addressing persistent challenges in the creative sector, including piracy, licensing disputes and the unauthorised exploitation of digital content. Participants are exploring practical approaches to ensuring that creators and rights holders receive appropriate compensation whenever their work is used commercially, distributed or accessed through different platforms.
Discussions will further examine the Kampala Protocol on Voluntary Registration of Copyright and Related Rights, adopted in August 2021 under the ARIPO framework. The engagement provides an opportunity for stakeholders to assess existing copyright management approaches and consider measures that could improve protection and commercial opportunities for creators across Africa.
Through the gathering, URSB, ARIPO and WIPO are seeking to strengthen the systems that connect creativity with economic opportunity. For Uganda’s artists, writers, musicians, filmmakers and other creative professionals, improved copyright administration could provide stronger protection against unauthorised use of their work while creating better opportunities to earn income, expand businesses and contribute to sustainable economic growth.
