Youth rallied to prioritise intellectual property awareness

KAMPALA - The Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) has launched a bold new initiative, UGYouth4IP, aimed at encouraging young people to prioritise Intellectual Property (IP) awareness and innovation as tools for personal and national development.

The initiative is a strategic, youth-focused campaign that promotes innovation and skills development through IP education and awareness.

The campaign was officially launched by the Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, Dr Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi.

Speaking at the launch ceremony held at the URSB headquarters in Kololo under the theme “Unlocking Youth Potential through IP Awareness for National Development,” Barugahara applauded URSB for spearheading a timely programme designed to position young Ugandans as key contributors to Uganda’s innovation and development agenda.

“Youth are a reservoir of creativity and entrepreneurship. Equipping them with the tools and knowledge to protect their innovations, create value and drive inclusive economic growth is part of government’s wider plan to tap into the enormous talent of Uganda’s sizeable young population,” the Minister noted.

He added that Uganda’s youthful population (78% under 30) is both an opportunity for innovation and a potential challenge if not engaged in productive work. He urged young people to actively participate in discussions around IP policy, engage in initiatives like UGYouth4IP, and take full advantage of available resources.

URSB board chairman, Amb. Francis Butagira, echoed the Minister’s sentiments, noting that youth are Uganda’s greatest asset.

“They are full of creativity, innovation, and potential, which can be turned into tangible products. However, many young innovators and entrepreneurs are unaware of how to protect their ideas, inventions, and brands,” he said.

He added that URSB is committed to supporting young innovators by providing the knowledge and tools necessary to safeguard their work.

Registrar general Mercy Kainobwisho said the campaign targets university students, young lawyers, content creators, creatives, and URSB’s youthful staff.

She explained that the campaign seeks to bridge the existing knowledge gap on IP and encourage youth to appreciate, protect, and commercialise their innovative ideas.

Kainobwisho emphasised the need for early exposure to intellectual property concepts to enable young people to harness the full potential of their ideas and creations. She noted that the UGYouth4IP campaign is designed to demystify IP, positioning it as a strategic asset that young Ugandans must embrace to unlock their creative and entrepreneurial potential.

“UGYouth4IP is not just a campaign. It is a movement to cultivate a culture of innovation among Uganda’s youth. Intellectual property is the bridge between an idea and its impact. URSB is here to help the young people cross that bridge, protect their creativity and make money out of their innovations,” she said.

The launch featured a vibrant line-up of activities, including a keynote address, panel discussions with young innovators, and success stories from IP champions.

Participants were also introduced to key IP concepts and frameworks, equipping them with the necessary skills to navigate the world of creativity and innovation.

As part of its goals, the campaign aims to foster a generation of IP-aware youth who can leverage their talents, protect their ideas, and contribute meaningfully to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.

With the campaign now launched, URSB reiterated its commitment to working closely with government agencies, development partners, and the private sector to ensure that young innovators receive the support they need to grow and protect their ideas.