Uganda Reaffirms Commitment to Strengthening Copyright in Creative Industry

The African Regional Intellectual Property Organisation (ARIPO), in partnership with Fundación AISGE, the Global Audio-visual Alliance (GAVA), the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), and the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), is hosting the Fourth African Regional Seminar on Copyright and Related Rights in the Audio-visual Sector in Kampala from 10th to 11th September 2025.

The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Norbert Mao, presided over the event as Guest of Honour, reaffirming the Government of Uganda’s commitment to strengthening copyright systems, supporting creators, and aligning with international obligations in the audio-visual industry. He emphasized government plans to amend legislation to better serve the creative sector.

“This seminar is about awareness of copyright and related rights. Today, through ARIPO and other partners, it is our duty to make all creators aware that the laws we are creating are on their side and that when they register, they can benefit,” Hon. Mao said.

The Kampala meeting follows three successful editions: Zimbabwe (2022), Zambia (2023), and Lusaka (2024). These gatherings have advanced dialogue on copyright and related rights while equipping member states with practical tools to strengthen the creative economy.

ARIPO’s Director of Intellectual Property, Mr. David Njuguna, representing the Director General, stressed the need for collective efforts to harmonize national copyright laws and ensure effective implementation of international instruments.
“This is the time to leverage the audio-visual sector for sustainable socio-economic growth and development of our creatives and countries,” he noted.

The Kampala edition has drawn participants from Audio-Visual Collective Management Organisations (CMOs), national copyright offices, policymakers, and stakeholders from ARIPO Member States, along with observer states Nigeria and South Africa.

A key focus of the 4th Regional Seminar is promoting ratification and implementation of international copyright treaties. These include the Kampala Protocol on Voluntary Registration of Copyright and Related Rights, the Beijing Treaty on Audio-visual Performances, and the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works.

Registrar General, Ms. Mercy K. Kainobwisho, highlighted Uganda’s role in showcasing compliance with international copyright obligations while seeking better ways to manage the creative sector.
“By working together, we can build a robust copyright ecosystem, empower creators, and unlock Africa’s creative potential. Together we can also tackle key challenges, including piracy and low awareness,” she said.

The seminar also explores best practices in collective management of audio-visual rights, seen as essential for ensuring that artists, performers, and creators are fairly compensated.

Delegates are deliberating on a wide range of issues, including the ARIPO Toolkit on Tariff-Setting Principles and Guidelines for audio-visual CMOs, regional cooperation among African CMOs, and emerging copyright challenges in the digital age.

Uganda is expected to benefit through increased awareness among local CMOs, stronger advocacy for copyright registration as a driver of economic and creative growth, and enhanced visibility as a regional leader in copyright promotion and compliance.

The 4th Regional Seminar marks a critical step in strengthening Africa’s audio-visual industry, promoting a fair creative economy, and positioning the continent to compete effectively in the global market. By hosting this high-level dialogue, Uganda underscores its dedication to supporting creators, protecting intellectual property rights, and nurturing cultural industries that contribute to both economic growth and national identity.