Kampala, Uganda: Uganda will this week host one of its most significant intellectual property (IP) engagements in recent years as the Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), H.E. Daren Tang, starts a three-day high-level mission to Kampala from December 3–5, 2025.
The landmark visit underscores Uganda’s rising commitment to strengthening its national IP ecosystem, supporting innovators, and positioning creativity at the centre of economic transformation. It also signals renewed international confidence in Uganda’s capacity to leverage intellectual property as a driver of economic growth.
The Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), the country’s national IP office, is steering the visit and will convene a major engagement on Friday, December 5. The showcase will feature school innovation exhibitions, a demonstration of the IP in Schools Program, and a series of high-level interactions between the WIPO delegation and Government of Uganda leadership.
Registrar General Ms Mercy K. Kainobwisho, while confirming the visit, described it as a defining moment for Uganda’s innovation landscape.
“As the national IP office, URSB is proud to lead this historic engagement. We look forward to showcasing the strides we have made—from expanding IP awareness to nurturing innovation in schools and across industries. This mission will deepen our collaboration with WIPO and accelerate Uganda’s journey toward an innovation-driven economy. It is an exciting opportunity for the country, and we are ready to seize it,” she said.
During his stay, the WIPO Director General will meet key government leaders, including the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, and the Speaker of Parliament. He is also expected to pay a courtesy call on President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
The high-level delegation arriving with Mr Tang includes senior WIPO officials from the Africa Bureau and Development Cooperation units. Their visit is supported by an inter-agency organising committee coordinated jointly by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and URSB.
Ms Kainobwisho noted that Uganda’s IP environment is entering a transformative phase driven by strengthened policy frameworks and expanded public engagement.
“Uganda’s innovation landscape is entering a defining moment. The visit of the WIPO Director General reaffirms our nation’s growing influence in the global IP community and highlights the remarkable progress we are making in supporting creators, researchers, and young innovators. Our IP ecosystem is stronger, more vibrant, and more future-focused than ever before,” she added.
The mission is expected to deepen Uganda’s partnership with WIPO, accelerate ongoing IP-led development programmes, and spotlight the country’s ambition to position creators, researchers, and young innovators at the centre of national development.
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