Uganda, ARIPO, URSB, WIPO, copyright protection, creators’ rights, intellectual property, copyright symposium, Kampala, Speke Resort Munyonyo, creative economy, creative industries, digital piracy, copyright administration, related rights management, royalty administration, collective management organisations, copyright licensing, intellectual property rights Uganda will host the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) 7th Symposium on Copyright and Related Rights Management from October 19–21, 2026, at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala. The symposium will bring together regional and international stakeholders to explore how intellectual property can promote sustainable development across Africa.
Organised by ARIPO in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), the symposium will be held under the theme, “Empowering Creativity: Harnessing IP for Sustainable Development in Africa.” The event is among the activities leading up to ARIPO’s Golden Jubilee celebrations in December 2026.
Speaking at a press briefing at the Uganda Media Centre, URSB Acting Registrar General Mustapher Ntale said the symposium would provide an important platform for strengthening copyright administration and enhancing the economic value of 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,” Ntale said.
He noted that URSB continues to strengthen Uganda’s copyright administration framework through specialised services, public awareness initiatives, regulation of collective management organisations and implementation of legal reforms.
In April 2025, URSB established a dedicated Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Department to provide specialised 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.
URSB Commissioner for Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Miriam Nabatanzi emphasised the broader national significance of intellectual property protection, describing effective copyright systems as essential to supporting innovation, investment and economic growth.
“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,” Nabatanzi said.
The symposium will bring together policymakers, heads of copyright offices, collective management organisations and other stakeholders from ARIPO member states. Discussions will focus on practical approaches to copyright licensing, royalty administration, enforcement, digital piracy and cross-border cooperation.
Representing Uganda’s creative sector, Senior Presidential Adviser on Creatives Edrisa Musuuza, popularly known as Eddie Kenzo, stressed the importance of ensuring that creators receive fair compensation for the commercial use 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,” Kenzo said.
The symposium will also build on regional initiatives 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 has called on creators, businesses, digital platforms, policymakers and the media to support efforts to raise copyright awareness, promote respect for intellectual property rights and develop a sustainable creative economy.
The gathering is expected to provide an opportunity for African stakeholders to exchange experiences, strengthen regional cooperation and explore practical solutions to challenges affecting creators and the wider creative industry.