Innovators in Western Uganda have expressed growing concerns over rampant intellectual property theft, which they say threatens the future of creative and innovative students in institutions of higher learning.
The concerns were raised on Wednesday during a one-day workshop on ICT Intellectual Property Guidelines, organized by the Ministry of ICT in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The event took place at Kabale University in Kabale Municipality.
Among the concerned voices were Kintu Rodgers and Blair Nkuba, both students at Kabale University. The duo lamented that many innovations developed within their institution have been stolen during exhibitions organized by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), particularly when projects are still in their conceptual stages.
They said that most of our innovations have been hijacked by individuals from other institutions during national a exhibition which has discouraged many innovators from smaller institutions from continuing their work, as they struggle to protect, develop, and own their ideas.”
CUE IN INNOVATORS…….ON INTELLECTUAL THEFT……..RR/ENG//
Professor Johnny Mugisha, Kabale University’s Vice Chancellor in charge of academic affairs, acknowledged the issue, revealing that the university has been hesitant to publicly showcase innovations due to fears of theft. He even admitted to personally withholding some of his own innovations for the same reason.
Prof. Mugisha, however, expressed optimism that the workshop would provide innovators with practical skills to protect their intellectual property. He further encouraged participants to embrace artificial intelligence as a means to enhance and safeguard their innovations.
CUE IN PROF. MUGISHA……ON INTELLECTUAL THEFT……..RR/ENG//
Shirley Gladys Nakyejwe, an official from the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance under the Department of Research and Development, emphasized that the ICT Intellectual Property Guidelines are a critical foundation for innovation and entrepreneurship.
She noted that proper understanding and application of these guidelines would empower innovators to effectively protect and claim ownership of their ideas.
CUE IN NAKYEJWE…….ON ICT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY…….LUG/ENG//
