The Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, Dr. Aminah Zawedde, has highlighted the importance of safeguarding intellectual property (IP) in driving innovation and economic growth. Speaking at a workshop dedicated to disseminating Uganda’s newly developed ICT Intellectual Property (IP) guidelines, Dr. Zawedde emphasized that these guidelines will serve as a comprehensive framework for navigating the complexities of IP rights.
“These guidelines provide a clear roadmap for managing, owning, and commercializing intellectual property,” Dr. Zawedde explained. “They outline the ministry’s approach to protecting innovations, including software and hardware, and stress the significance of registering such creations. Furthermore, they offer essential guidance on handling IP rights for locally developed IT systems, applications, and innovations—key drivers of our burgeoning tech sector.”
Fostering Innovation and Best Practices
Dr. Zawedde noted that the guidelines aim to inspire creativity and innovation in ICT solutions by encouraging both original works and adaptations from external sources. “Our goal is to promote adherence to best practices and standards in ICT development, ensuring high-quality and reliable outcomes for both locally created and adapted technologies,” she added.
The guidelines also focus on facilitating the use of shared infrastructure and services provided by the ministry. This includes regulating innovations and inventions across domestic and transferred technologies, thereby fostering an environment conducive to technological advancement.
Additionally, the guidelines prioritize safeguarding the IP rights of Ugandan innovators and inventors. Whether creating something entirely new or adapting foreign technologies, these individuals will now have robust protections in place. “This ensures that creators receive due recognition and rewards for their efforts,” Dr. Zawedde stated.
Unlocking Economic Potential
According to Dr. Zawedde, the guidelines hold significant potential for commercialization. By enabling innovators to monetize their intellectual property, the initiative aims to spur economic growth. “We want to empower innovators to generate income from their creations while contributing positively to the nation’s economy,” she said.
However, Dr. Zawedde clarified that the guidelines apply to everyone developing innovations and applications for the government and public sectors, particularly those who have benefited from support provided by the Ministry of ICT. “This underscores our commitment to fostering accountability and fairness in the tech ecosystem,” she remarked.
Nationwide Dissemination
Dr. Zawedde described the workshop as the first step in spreading awareness about these critical guidelines throughout the country. “We plan to host similar events in other regions, ensuring that every Ugandan innovator has access to this valuable information. By equipping them with the knowledge and tools needed to protect their intellectual property, we are not just safeguarding their creations—we are investing in Uganda’s future,” she concluded.
