Copyright Management and Protection: Outreach Initiative at Makerere University
On 6th March 2026, the Makerere University School of Law (SoL), in collaboration with the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), organized an insightful workshop on copyright management, registration, and protection. The workshop was aimed at enhancing awareness and understanding of copyright laws and registration processes in Uganda.
Dr. Ivan Engoru, Head-Commercial Law at SoL delivered opening remarks on behalf of the Dean- SoL. In the speech, he highlighted the shared background with some members of URSB and expressed his pleasure at their return to the school. He underscored the students’ keen interest in learning about business, emphasizing that modern tools, including knowledge of copyright law, are increasingly integrated into their curriculum. Dr. Engoru also emphasized the importance of community outreach, research, and collaboration, particularly through initiatives at the Human Rights and Peace Center. He expressed appreciation for the partnership with URSB, noting that it provides valuable opportunities for students’ growth and learning. He encouraged students to actively participate, ask questions, and make the most of the session to enhance their understanding and engagement.
In her presentation on understanding copyright and neighboring rights, Ms. Victoria A. Oketta, Senior Regulation Officer at URSB, emphasized the vital role of copyright in protecting creative works through registration and legal safeguards. She highlighted the importance of respecting cultural and spiritual practices, illustrating this with examples like giving thanks to the Great Spirit, to demonstrate the cultural dimensions of intellectual property. Ms. Oketta discussed various legal aspects of intellectual property, including registration processes for documents, trademarks, patents, and collateral assets, and emphasized the need for collaboration among institutions to support creators and innovators within Uganda’s dynamic creative sector, which significantly contributes to the country’s economic and social development.
Furthermore, Ms. Oketta stressed the importance of educating artists, software developers, writers, and performers about copyright laws and protections to help them effectively commercialize their creations and safeguard their rights. She advocated for strong partnerships between universities and legal institutions to raise awareness, promote meaningful learning, and foster ongoing collaboration. “Such initiatives are essential for empowering stakeholders in Uganda’s creative industries, ensuring they can maximize their potential while protecting their intellectual property rights”, she added.
In a presentation titled, ‘Implications of Artificial Intelligence on Copyright’, Dr. Robert Kirunda, Lecturer at SoL explained that artificial intelligence is reshaping copyright by challenging traditional notions of authorship, particularly where works are generated without direct human creativity.
He also highlighted that it raises complex questions about ownership, as it is often unclear whether rights belong to the developer, user, or no one at all. Enforcement becomes more difficult as AI can rapidly produce large volumes of content that may replicate protected works.
Mr. Kirunda also noted that AI is pushing lawmakers and courts to adapt existing copyright frameworks to new technological realities.
The event was concluded with refreshments and networking for the participants at the workshop
