National IP Policy will build a safe innovation ecosystem in Uganda - Museveni

President Yoweri Museveni said the launch of the National Intellectual Property Policy is a major step towards protecting local innovations and helping the creators earn from their hard work.

“The launch of the National Intellectual Property Policy and the Security Interest in Movable Property Registry System (SIMPO) is a step in the right direction. The NRM Government continues to support all innovations aimed at increasing the profitability of Ugandans engaged in various enterprises,” the president said on Wednesday during the launch.

“The National Intellectual Property Policy will give innovators the full protection of the law through patents, copyright, trademarks, etc. This will enable these innovators to earn their rightful recognition and financial returns for their toil and sweat.”

According to the president, it is important that the Government creates an environment where creativity and innovation can thrive.

“The improvement in the quality of human life and man’s transition from primitive existence to modernity are attributed to the discoveries in medicine, engineering, architecture etc.,” he said, adding that the creations of the human mind have enabled the taming of nature throughout the four and a half million years of man’s existence on earth. 

“Therefore, it is crucial that individuals or groups are rewarded for their innovations,” he went on.

President Museveni reiterated the need to fund the scientists who are behind most of the innovations.

“Today, the whole world is waiting for scientists to develop a Coronavirus vaccine and cure. Ugandan scientists are also working day and night to come up with a vaccine and cure to this deadly disease,” he said.

“Without the work of scientists, the whole world is doomed. This explains why we should invest highly in the innovations of our scientists. They are our lifesavers when faced with natural calamities such as diseases, floods, drought, pests, etc.”

Speaking at the launch, Bemanya Twebaze, the registrar general at the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) noted that the policy and registry system will “foster easy access to credit and nurture innovations.”

As the world races to find a cure for COVID19, Twebaze said, we remain at a critical point where we need science and innovation to lead the problem-solving. 

“The National IP Policy envisions innovation as a backbone for the development of Uganda,” he said.