Uganda Must Turn Intellectual Property into Better Lives for Africans- Justice Minister
Uganda is positioning intellectual property as a tool for improving livelihoods and growing Africa’s creative economy, with Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao calling for a shift from consuming foreign intellectual property to creating, owning and exporting African innovations.
Speaking at the Symposium on Copyright and Related Rights Management held at Speke Resort Munyonyo, Kampala, from October 19–21, 2026, Mr Mao said intellectual property should deliver practical benefits to creators across the continent.
“We are here today because we want to take a systematic approach. Intellectual Property is not an end in itself; it is a tool to improve people’s lives and uplift our communities,” Mr Mao said.
Mr Mao challenged African countries to become stronger players in the global intellectual property market, with greater ownership of creative works and innovations originating from the continent.
He also commended the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) for the progress it has made in intellectual property administration, noting that the institution had moved from years of lagging to becoming a regional reference point.
“Through humility, we woke up and started running very fast,” Mr Mao said, highlighting URSB’s growing reputation as a centre of excellence and its support to other African countries, including Malawi, in strengthening registration and intellectual property services.
The Minister also reflected on the significance of ARIPO’s 50th anniversary, describing the milestone as a reminder that the organisation still has room to grow and make a greater contribution to Africa’s development.
