The Uganda Registration Services Bureau has called on local creatives to take advantage of copyright registration to protect their artistic works and promote fair recognition in the creative industry. This message was delivered by Mr. Martin George Sseruwagi, a Regulation Officer in the Copyright Department, last week on Wednesday October 29, who represented the Bureau as a panelist at an event hosted by the Crocheters Association of Uganda at the American Center in Kampala.
The discussion, themed “Copyright, Crochet and Culture,” brought together members of the Crochet Association, members of the public, and the President of the Crochet Guild of America. The session explored how copyright law applies to crochet designs and cultural expressions, both in Uganda and the United States.
Mr. Sseruwagi explained the benefits of copyright registration, the duration of protection, and recent reforms, including the removal of the gazetting requirement. He encouraged crocheters to register their works to safeguard their creativity from misuse and to enable them to benefit economically from their designs.
“Copyright gives creators ownership and control over their work. By registering, you not only protect your designs but also open doors to partnerships and growth opportunities,” Mr. Sseruwagi emphasized.
The interactive engagement generated great interest among participants eager to learn more about intellectual property rights.
The Crocheters Association of Uganda, also known as the Crochet World of Uganda, is a growing community of artists and designers promoting crochet as both an art form and a source of livelihood. The group advocates for skill development, cultural expression, and intellectual property awareness among its members nationwide.
