Kampala, Uganda: World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Director General, Daren Tang, Friday concluded a landmark three-day mission to Uganda with a powerful pledge to support the country’s transition into a vibrant, innovation-led economy.
Tang’s visit, which ran from December 3 to 5, signalled a renewed partnership between Uganda and WIPO and a major boost for the nation’s intellectual property (IP) and innovation ambitions.
Addressing innovators, policymakers, and students in Kampala, Tang underscored that Uganda’s future lies in harnessing the creativity of its young people. He reminded participants that the world is shifting from tangible to intangible value, and Uganda must position its youth at the centre of this transformation.
“Innovation begins with solving real problems, and that starts with shaping the right mindset from an early age,” he said, urging learners to embrace curiosity, resilience, and bold thinking.
During the mission, Tang officially launched the IP in Schools Project under the theme “Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators and Creators.”
The initiative marks a major milestone in building early awareness of intellectual property among learners, with a focus on nurturing creativity in robotics, agritech, design, filmmaking, and emerging industries.
He assured young innovators, startups, designers, filmmakers, and creators that WIPO remains committed to helping them transform their ideas into scalable ventures. “Innovation and creativity are at the heart of the intellectual property system,” he said. “WIPO stands ready to support the ideas, dreams, and vision of Uganda’s young innovators.”
Registrar General of the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), Ms Mercy K. Kainobwisho, described the visit as a turning point for Uganda’s innovation ecosystem. She highlighted the country’s remarkable evolution from a landlocked state to a digitally connected nation with expanding regional and global trade links. “Uganda is no longer landlocked; we are land-linked, trade-linked, digitally linked, and connected,” she said.
She emphasised that the country now enjoys a strong legal and regulatory framework built over decades with WIPO’s support. Uganda, she added, remains committed to deepening this partnership as its innovation ecosystem scales to new heights.
URSB Board Chairman, H.E. Rt. Amb. Francis Butagira drew from his diplomatic experience to highlight the significance of hosting global leaders such as the WIPO Director General. He reminded participants, especially the youth, that the world’s most advanced economies thrive not on finite natural resources but on the boundless potential of intellectual property.
“While natural resources can be exhausted, intellectual property is limitless. Modern economies thrive by harnessing it,” he said, reaffirming URSB’s commitment to nurturing innovators and ensuring that Uganda positions itself as a competitive global player.
Hon Mao noted that Uganda’s adoption of a competence-based curriculum aligns perfectly with the innovation agenda, as it equips students with problem-solving skills needed in a rapidly changing world.
The Minister emphasized that today’s gathering represented a shared national goal: using innovation to solve society’s most pressing challenges.
The conclusion of Daren Tang’s Kampala mission marks a significant milestone in Uganda’s intellectual property transformation. Stakeholders say the visit has strengthened Uganda’s global standing and reaffirmed its commitment to building an innovation ecosystem where youth, creators, and entrepreneurs can thrive.
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