KAMPALA – President Museveni has said presidential hopeful Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine opened his government to the plight of artistes in the country.
Speaking at the launch of the National Intellectual Property Policy at State House Entebbe on Wednesday, 23 September 2020, Mr Museveni said the absence of the law saw the government get into trouble for blocking Bobi Wine’s music shows.
“The other day we had issues with our son Bobi Wine, when he was making some trouble, and we shut down his concert at Busabala, that is when we got into this,” the President said.
He added: “This law is on the ground for the basic artistic expression. I don’t know why it has taken so long. It was only recently when they told me about this. I didn’t know we had this problem.”
On 27th May, 2019, Cabinet approved the National Intellectual Property Policy, 2019 whose objective is to stimulate and nurture innovation and creativity for socioeconomic development of the country. The policy will facilitate integration of intellectual property into national priority sectors and programs towards realization of national development goals.
According to the President, the Policy doesn’t only cover the work of scientists but also protects the creative work of artists like songs and paintings, among others.
“For many years, African literature was oral. We now have an opportunity to preserve our rich African literature through copyright,” he added.
“NRM is committed to supporting innovations aimed at increasing the profitability of Ugandans engaged in different enterprises. The National Intellectual Property Policy will give Ugandans full protection from the law and enable them to earn from their toil and sweat,” he added.
Justice minister Prof Ephraim Kamuntu hailed the World Intellectual Property Organization and the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization for the partnership in the promotion of IP in Uganda.
“I would also to thank Financial Sector Deepening Uganda for the support,” he added.
Prof. Wilson K. Tarpeh, a minister in Liberia and a financial expert, hailed Uganda for develing the National Intellectual Property Policy.
“I am confident that with the launch of the National IP Policy today, Uganda has taken a bold step towards strengthening her ability to transform the abundant human and natural resources into viable industries for social-economic development. One of the factors contributing to effective policy implementation is the political commitment and will from the highest level of government. Intellectual Property is an interesting thought, although it is difficult to understand. Congratulations on the launch, and we look forward to meeting you,” he said.