ICT intellectual property guidelines launched

KAMPALA - The Ugandan government has launched intellectual property (IP) guidelines to protect local innovators and foster economic growth through innovation-driven enterprises.

Speaking during the launch at the National ICT Innovation Hub at the Uganda Institute of ICT Nakawa, information ministry permanent secretary Dr Aminah Zawedde urged innovators, particularly those in ICT-driven fields, to register their ideas to safeguard against infringement and to maximize their earnings.

"The guidelines act as a manual to help innovators navigate the journey of protecting their ideas. Registering intellectual property encourages partnerships and opens doors to new opportunities. As a ministry, we have developed a platform for registering innovators and have partnered with Japanese companies to support them," Zawedde stated.

She added that four Ugandan companies were recently invited to Japan for training and business-matching activities, an initiative supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Education, innovation at UICT

In the academic sector, Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology (UICT) principal Dr  Frederick Kitoogo, Principal highlighted the institute’s commitment to equipping students with market-driven skills.

"We are rolling out new courses such as data analytics to attract more students," Kitoogo said.

He further noted that UICT’s innovation hub actively develops solutions to community challenges through technology-driven initiatives.

Zawedde stressed the significance of the IP guidelines, saying their launch is expected to enhance innovation, attract investments and support the growth of Uganda’s knowledge-based economy.

“Innovators and entrepreneurs are encouraged to take advantage of the available resources to secure their intellectual property and drive economic growth,” she said.
She pointed to the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic when many countries, including those in Africa, had to rely on others for vaccines due to patent restrictions.

"Many nations that wished to manufacture their own vaccines were blocked due to patent protections held by developed countries. This underscores the importance of formalising business processes, including registering and protecting innovations and products with patents," she explained.

JICA has supported Uganda's ICT development efforts over the years. (Credit: Nelson Mandela Muhoozi)

Japan's support

Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) chief representative Yoichi Inoue reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting Uganda’s innovation ecosystem.

JICA has supported Uganda's ICT development efforts over the years.

"We are committed to providing expert support to ensure that Ugandan innovators and students at UICT can grow and match global industry standards," Inoue said.

According to the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), IP protection is not just a legal requirement but a strategic business asset that fosters growth and competitiveness, further noting that a significant amount of revenue is lost because many innovators fail to patent their products.

URSB provides services to secure various forms of intellectual property, including trademarks, patents and industrial designs.

Additionally, the bureau offers an online registration portal where innovators can apply for IP protection, check applicable fees and access Uganda’s Intellectual Property Register.

Zawedde said by securing IP rights, innovators can safeguard their unique products, services and ideas from unauthorised use, thereby maintaining a competitive edge in the market.

A patent is an exclusive right granted by the Government for an invention. Protected inventions can range from everyday items like safety pins to sophisticated technologies such as juice processing machines.

URSB explains that patents in Uganda are granted for 20 years, with patent holders required to pay annual maintenance fees to keep their patents in force.

Patents also protect incremental improvements to existing products and processes, making them particularly valuable for SMEs.

"Patents allow businesses to distinguish themselves in the market, preventing others from profiting from their hard work. They also provide legal grounds to sue for infringement," Zawedde said.

Sector challenges

The private sector plays a critical role in job creation, yet it faces significant obstacles, including limited access to affordable capital.

Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) chief executive officer Stephen Asiimwe emphasized the need for Government intervention in incubating ideas and supporting startups.

"Access to affordable capital remains our biggest issue. The Government must invest in idea incubation and support startups to ensure they grow into sustainable businesses capable of attracting equity investment," Asiimwe said.

He also called for reforms in Uganda’s copyright laws to better protect creators and their intellectual property. Additionally, he urged the government to explore opportunities for exporting skilled labour, citing Kenya’s success in this area.

"The economy is not creating enough jobs. Even the startups we have are failing due to an unfavourable investment climate," Asiimwe observed.