Uganda Signs Landmark Treaty to Protect Intellectual Property Rights

Uganda has become the latest country to sign the WIPO Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources, and Associated Traditional Knowledge. The treaty aims to establish a global framework to protect and promote the intellectual property rights of nations, particularly concerning their genetic resources and traditional knowledge.

Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Nobert Mao, signed the treaty on December 4, 2024, at the World Intellectual Property Organization headquarters in Geneva. The move has been hailed as a significant step towards safeguarding Uganda’s cultural and natural assets.

Uganda’s commitment to protecting its cultural heritage and natural resources has been reaffirmed by the signing of the treaty. The country is expected to strengthen its capacity to protect its indigenous knowledge and support sustainable development.

The treaty seeks to ensure fair and equitable sharing of benefits derived from the use of genetic resources and traditional knowledge. This is expected to have a positive impact on local communities, which will receive fair compensation for the use of their traditional knowledge and resources.

The Director-General of the World Intellectual Property Organization has expressed strong support for Uganda’s efforts, pledging to assist the country in building its intellectual property capacity.

The signing of the treaty signals a strong partnership between the World Intellectual Property Organization and Uganda, setting the stage for enhanced international cooperation and development in intellectual property.

Uganda’s leadership in the global dialogue on the protection of genetic resources, traditional knowledge, and cultural heritage has been underscored by the signing of the treaty.

In addition to the signing, Minister Mao also met with members of the Ugandan diaspora living in Switzerland, encouraging them to invest in Uganda’s growing economy and support initiatives that will improve livelihoods, foster innovation, and protect the country’s heritage.