KAMPALA, Uganda — The Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) on Wednesday launched UGYouth4IP, a campaign aimed at encouraging young people to prioritize intellectual property (IP) awareness and innovation for national development.
The initiative seeks to promote innovation and skills development among youth through IP education, URSB said.
Registrar General Mercy K. Kainobwisho conceived the campaign, which was officially launched by Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs Hon. Dr. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi at URSB headquarters in Kololo. The theme of the launch was “Unlocking Youth Potential through IP Awareness for National Development.”
Targeting university students, young lawyers, content creators, creatives, and URSB’s young staff, the campaign aims to close the knowledge gap on IP and encourage the youth to understand, protect, and commercialize their innovative ideas.
Barugahara commended URSB for initiating the program, which he said seeks to position young Ugandans as key contributors to the country’s innovation and development.
“Youth are a reservoir of creativity and entrepreneurship,” the minister said. “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.”
He noted that Uganda’s youthful population, with 78% under the age of 30, presents both an opportunity for innovation and a challenge if not engaged in productive work. He urged young people to participate in discussions about IP policy, engage in initiatives like UGYouth4IP, and utilize available resources.
URSB Board Chairman Amb. Francis Butagira said that the youth are Uganda’s greatest asset, full of creativity and potential that can be transformed into tangible products. He noted that many young innovators lack awareness of how to protect their ideas and brands, and that URSB is committed to providing the necessary knowledge and tools.
Kainobwisho stressed the importance of early exposure to IP concepts to enable young people to fully utilize their ideas. She described UGYouth4IP as a movement to cultivate a culture of innovation among Ugandan youth, positioning IP as a crucial asset for unlocking 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,” Kainobwisho said. “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.”
The launch included a keynote address, panel discussions with young innovators, and presentations of IP success stories. Participants were also introduced to key IP concepts and frameworks.
The campaign aims to foster a generation of IP-aware youth who can leverage their talents, protect their ideas, and contribute to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation. URSB said it will collaborate with government agencies, development partners, and the private sector to support young innovators.
