Uganda waives Gazette requirement to register copyrights

KAMPALA, Uganda — The Uganda Registration Services Bureau has streamlined the process for securing intellectual property rights by eliminating the requirement for applicants to publish copyright applications in the official government gazette.

The change, which took effect Sept. 26, 2025, follows the gazettement of the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (Amendment) Regulations, S.I. No. 73 of 2025.

Previously, creators of literary, artistic and scientific works had to publish their applications in the Uganda Gazette before they could receive certificates of ownership. The mandate was criticized by artists, writers, filmmakers, and other innovators as a costly and time-consuming obstacle that unnecessarily delayed legal protection for their work.

With the new regulations, applicants can obtain certificates of ownership without the gazetting step, making copyright registration significantly more efficient and cost-effective.

Mercy K. Kainobwisho, the Registrar General, said the reform demonstrates the government’s commitment to supporting innovation.

“The removal of the requirement to gazette applications is a demonstration of the government’s commitment to supporting the creative industry and making Uganda a more competitive and innovative economy,” Kainobwisho stated. “We listened to the concerns of creators, and this reform will now enable artists, writers, software developers, and other innovators to protect their works faster, without barriers.”

The URSB believes the waiver will benefit Uganda’s growing creative sector — including musicians, authors, designers and digital entrepreneurs — by easing access to protection, enabling commercialization, and safeguarding against piracy.

The agency urged all creative economy stakeholders to take advantage of the simplified process to register their works and confidently access both local and international markets.