Kampala, Uganda: The Uganda Registration Services Bureau Friday marked World Intellectual Property Day 2026 with a renewed push to harness intellectual property in driving innovation and unlocking economic value in Uganda’s sports sector.
The celebrations, held on April 24 at the Uganda Business Facilitation Centre in Kololo, brought together policymakers, innovators, students, broadcasters, and sports leaders under the theme “IP and Sports: Set, Ready, Innovate.”
Delivering remarks as Chief Guest, Kedrace Turyagyenda (Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education and Sports) highlighted government’s ongoing transition to a competence-based curriculum aimed at fostering practical, skills-driven learning.
“Government is steadily transitioning to a competence-based curriculum across all levels of education to foster practical, skills-based learning,” she said, noting that such reforms support initiatives like intellectual property education in schools.
Robert Kasande, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, emphasized the importance of a strong legal framework in supporting innovation.
“A strong legal framework is essential for innovation, and through URSB, the Ministry is ensuring intellectual property systems effectively support Uganda’s economic growth,” he said.
URSB Board Chairman Francis Butagira reaffirmed the body’s role in advancing Uganda’s development agenda.
“As Uganda advances toward middle-income status, URSB remains committed to strengthening intellectual property systems, empowering creators, and ensuring that innovation translates into sustainable economic growth,” he noted.
Registrar General Mercy Kainobwisho stressed the growing importance of intellectual property in sports.
“In sports, talent alone is not enough, intellectual property is what turns talent into value,” she said, adding that URSB is working to help athletes and creatives protect and commercialise their ideas and brands.
The event attracted leaders from Uganda’s sports fraternity, including Moses Magogo Hassim, President of the Federation of Uganda Football Associations, reflecting the increasing intersection between sports and intellectual property.
The celebrations culminated in a University Court Moot Competition featuring 11 institutions, with Islamic University in Uganda and Uganda Christian University advancing to the finals after showcasing strong legal expertise in intellectual property law.
World Intellectual Property Day serves as a global platform to promote the protection of creativity and innovation, particularly in dynamic sectors such as sports where talent, branding, and ideas drive economic growth.
URSB reiterated its commitment to ensuring that innovation in Uganda is protected, commercialised, and translated into tangible economic value.
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