Uganda will host the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) 7th Symposium on Copyright and Related Rights Management from 19–21 October 2026 at Speke Resort Munyonyo, Kampala,bringing together regional and international stakeholders to explore how intellectual property can drive sustainable development across Africa.
The symposium, organised by ARIPO in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB),will be held under the theme “Empowering Creativity: Harnessing IP for Sustainable Development in Africa.” It forms part of activities leading to ARIPO’s Golden Jubilee in December 2026.
Speaking at a press briefing at the Uganda Media Centre, URSB Acting Registrar General Mr. Mustapher Ntale said the symposium would provide an important platform for strengthening copyright administration and improving the economic value derived from creative works.
“Uganda and Africa are rich in creative talent, but talent must be supported by systems that protect creators and enable them to earn from their work. Copyright must function not only as a legal right, but also as an economic asset that generates income, creates jobs and attracts investment,” Mr. Ntale said.
He noted that URSB continues to strengthen Uganda’s copyright administration framework through specialised services, public awareness, regulation of collective management organisations and implementation of legal reforms.
URSB established a dedicated Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Department in April 2025 to provide focused services to the creative industry. The Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Amendment Act, No. 8 of 2026, introduces reforms addressing copyright protection in the digital environment, orphan works, collective management organisations and administrative mechanisms for resolving copyright complaints.
The Commissioner Copyright and Neighbouring Rghts, Miriam Nabatanzi, emphasised the wider national significance of protecting intellectual property.
“Our creative industries are a source of cultural identity, innovation and economic opportunity. When copyright systems work effectively, creators are better positioned to benefit from their efforts, businesses gain confidence to invest, and the creative economy becomes a stronger contributor to national development,” She said.
The symposium will bring together policymakers, heads of copyright offices, collective management organisations and other stakeholders from ARIPO member states to discuss practical approaches to licensing, royalty administration, enforcement, digital piracy and cross-border cooperation.
Representing Uganda’s creative sector, Senior Presidential Adviser on Creatives Mr. Edrisa Musuuza, popularly known as Eddie Kenzo, highlighted the importance of ensuring that creators benefit from the commercial value of their work.
“Ugandan artists and other creatives have the talent to reach global audiences. However, protecting our work and ensuring fair compensation are essential if creativity is to provide sustainable livelihoods. We need stronger awareness, respect for copyright and systems that allow creators to earn from their talent,” he said.
The symposium will also build on regional efforts to strengthen copyright cooperation,including the Kampala Protocol on the Voluntary Registration of Copyright and Related Rights, adopted at a diplomatic conference hosted by Uganda in August 2021.
URSB called upon creators, businesses, digital platforms, policymakers and the media to support efforts to promote copyright awareness, respect intellectual property rights and develop a sustainable creative economy.
