KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda joined other African nations today to commemorate Africa Copyright and Collective Management Day, an annual event dedicated to protecting intellectual property and empowering the continent’s creative industries.
The event, held at Onomo Hotel Kampala, was organized by the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) in partnership with the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) and the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC).
Robert Kasande, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, said the government is working to enhance legislation to protect creators’ rights and ensure their work generates commercial value.
“A sustainable future for our creatives depends on accountability, transparency, and innovation of CMOs (Collective Management Organizations),” Kasande said. “By valuing copyright and leveraging technology, we can ensure that every creator receives the recognition and reward they rightfully deserve.”
The day was established in September 2017 by ARIPO and CISAC to promote copyright protection across the continent. Since 2018, it has served as a platform to raise awareness about copyright and highlight the role of CMOs in compensating creators.
Mercy K. Kainobwisho, registrar general of URSB, underscored the government’s commitment to the creative sector.
“Creativity flourishes where it is protected,” Kainobwisho said. She called for a united effort to effectively commercialize copyright and urged individuals to join CMOs to benefit from their work.
The celebration brought together key stakeholders, including the Uganda Reproduction Rights Organization, the Uganda Federation of Movie Industry and the Uganda Performing Rights Society.
