The Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) has launched new a bold initiative, UGYouth4IP, aimed at enticing young people to prioritize Intellectual Property (IP) awareness and innovation as tools for personal and national development.
The initiative, a strategic youth-focused campaign aims at promoting innovation and youth skills development through IP education and awareness.
The campaign, a brainchild of the Registrar General, Ms. Mercy K. Kainobwisho was officially launched by the Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, Hon. Dr. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi during a launch ceremony held at the URSB headquarters in Kololo, under the theme “Unlocking Youth Potential through IP Awareness for National Development.”
Targeting university students, young lawyers, content creators, creatives, and URSB’s youthful staff, the campaign seeks to bridge the existing knowledge gap on IP and encourage youth to appreciate, protect, and commercialize their innovative ideas.
Speaking at the launch, Hon. Barugahara applauded URSB for spearheading a timely program that seeks to position young Ugandans as critical contributors to Uganda’s innovation and development agenda.
“Youth are a reservoir of creativity and entrepreneurship. Equipping them with the tools and knowledge to protect their innovations, create value and drive inclusive economic growth is part of government’s wider plan to tap into the enormous talent of Uganda’s sizeable young population,” the Minister noted
He highlighted that Uganda’s youthful population (78% under 30) is both an opportunity for innovation and a challenge if not engaged in productive work. He urged the youth to actively engage in discussions around IP policy, participate in initiatives like this, and take advantage of the resources available to them.
The URSB Board Chairman, H.E Amb. Francis Butagira added that the youth are Uganda’s greatest asset.
“They are full of creativity, innovation, and potential which can be turned into tangible products. However, many young innovators and entrepreneurs are unaware of how to protect their ideas, inventions, and brands.” He said.
He added that URSB is committed to supporting young innovators by providing the knowledge and tools to safeguard their work.
In her remarks, Registrar General, Mercy K. Kainobwisho emphasized the need for early exposure to intellectual property concepts to enable young people to harness the full potential of their ideas and creations. She noted that the UGYouth4IP campaign is designed to demystify IP, positioning it as a strategic asset that young Ugandans must embrace to unlock their full creative and entrepreneurial potential.
“UGYouth4IP is not just a campaign. It is a movement to cultivate a culture of innovation among Uganda’s youth. Intellectual property is the bridge between an idea and its impact. URSB is here to help the young people cross that bridge, protect their creativity and make money out of their innovations” she said.
The launch featured an exciting line-up of activities including a keynote address, panel discussions with young innovators, and success stories from IP champions. Participants were also introduced to key IP concepts and frameworks, equipping them with the necessary skills to navigate the world of creativity and innovation.
As part of its outcomes, the campaign aims to foster a generation of IP-aware youth who can leverage their talents, protect their ideas, and contribute meaningfully to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.
With the launch of the campaign, URSB reiterated its commitment to working closely with government agencies, development partners, and the private sector to ensure that young innovators receive the support they need to grow and protect their ideas.
