Ugandan fashion designers urged to protect their work under intellectual property laws

Fashion designers across Uganda have been urged to leverage the country’s intellectual property (IP) laws to protect their creations from infringement, imitation and counterfeiting.

The call was made by Mercy Kainobwisho, the registrar general of the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), during a Brand Protection Symposium at the URSB headquarters in Kampala on Thursday, September 18, 2025.

The event focused specifically on empowering stakeholders in the fashion and design sector through IP awareness.

“We have had laws for a very long time that protect designs—similar to what is done in Europe,” Kainobwisho said. “We’ve seen players in packaging and other sectors take advantage of these protections. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for fashion designers.”

She noted that many creatives in the fashion industry remain unaware of their rights under existing IP laws, despite the growing risks of having their work copied or counterfeited.

“Your design is your property,” she said. “When you register it, you receive a certificate that gives you full legal ownership. It becomes a lifetime asset. If you don’t protect it, you risk losing it to intellectual property thieves.”

Collaboration with the Police

Kainobwisho also outlined URSB’s ongoing collaboration with the Uganda Police Force through a dedicated Intellectual Property Enforcement Unit, which investigates and acts on IP violations. In addition, she encouraged designers to use URSB’s free mediation services to resolve disputes without going to court.

“Don’t suffer in silence. The Government has put in place mechanisms to resolve disputes through mediation—at no cost. The only cost is registering your design,” she added.

URSB currently offers services at regional offices in Masaka, Gulu, Mbarara, Arua, Mbale, Lira, and Kabale, as well as online and at its headquarters in Kololo and Nakasero, Kampala. Kainobwisho urged designers to consult with URSB directly or through their associations.

“We are everywhere, and our experts are ready to support you. If you’re part of an association, it’s even easier to reach you. But if you’re working in isolation, it may take longer,” she said.

Mercy Kainobwisho, Registrar General of the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) noted that many creatives in the fashion industry remain unaware of their rights under existing IP laws, despite the growing risks of having their work copied or counterfeited. This was during a Brand Protection Symposium held at the URSB headquarters in Kampala on Thursday. 

Cornerstone of sustainable fashion businesses

Ronnie Nsubuga, the founder and president of the Pearl of Africa Fashion Alliance, echoed the importance of IP protection, describing it as a cornerstone of sustainable fashion businesses.

“Fashion designers and others working in the creative space are going through a lot. One of the biggest challenges they face today is infringement on their brands and creative work,” he said.

The symposium, organised in partnership with URSB, drew more than 250 participants—well over the 200-seat capacity—demonstrating what Nsubuga called the industry's hunger for growth and change.

“Mobilising more than 250 creatives shows us one thing: Ugandan designers are thirsty for growth,” he said. “Today is a landmark moment for the fashion industry in Uganda.”

He urged designers to start protecting their work as early as the sketching phase.

“We want designers to leave here knowing that the first step when starting any design is to register it—even from the sketch stage. That’s the foundation of protecting your craft.”

Nsubuga also commended URSB for its support and called on young designers, including students, to prioritize learning about IP early in their careers.

“Many creatives never thought about registering their work. But the time is now. Intellectual property protection is the way to go,” he said. “To students out there: before you enter the fashion industry, make sure you understand how to protect your designs.”

He emphasised the power of partnerships in growing the sector, noting that collaboration between the Pearl of Africa Fashion Alliance and URSB has already yielded results.

“We believe in partnerships. Without URSB, we wouldn’t be here today. When we work together, designers thrive,” said Nsubuga. “We’re calling on designers across Uganda—join us, so we can grow together.”

Ronnie Nsubuga, Founder and President of the Pearl of Africa Fashion Alliance commended URSB for its support and called on young designers, including students, to prioritize learning about IP early in their careers.

Legal technicality

On his part, James Wasula, the chairperson of Grooming a Successful Woman with an Intellectual Mind (GSWIM), urged creatives to treat intellectual property as a business asset rather than a legal technicality.

“You may create a beautiful design, but without protecting it, it’s vulnerable. Anyone can snatch it and take it,” he warned.

Wasula explained that branding goes beyond visuals and logos—it's about conduct, client trust, and professional identity.

“Branding includes how you behave, how you retain clients. The more you uphold your brand, the more people are drawn to your business.”

He encouraged entrepreneurs to recognise the commercial value of IP, which grants them exclusive rights to their innovations for a defined period.

“Intellectual property gives you exclusivity. You become the sole owner of your product or brand—and can stop others from using or copying it,” Wasula said. “We need to look at IP from a business perspective—not just a legal one.”

Through GSWIM, Wasula continues to mentor women and youth to help them build lasting legacies through entrepreneurship.

“Every great business—Coca-Cola, Nike, Chanel—started with something invisible: an idea. Your idea has value. Protect it.”

He concluded by calling on creatives to take their ideas seriously and use available legal tools, such as trademarks and design registration, to build and secure their brands.