Summary:
- The Anti-Counterfeit Goods and Services Bill 2023, crafted by the Anti-Counterfeit Network Africa, a Civil Society Organization in Uganda, aims to prohibit various activities including processing, importing, exporting, branding, marketing, selling, packaging, manufacturing, and advertising illegal goods and services to consumers.
KASESE: Leaders in Kasese district have endorsed the proposed legislation targeting counterfeit goods and illegal services across the country.
The Anti-Counterfeit Goods and Services Bill 2023, crafted by the Anti-Counterfeit Network Africa, a Civil Society Organization in Uganda, aims to prohibit various activities including processing, importing, exporting, branding, marketing, selling, packaging, manufacturing, and advertising illegal goods and services to consumers.
The bill aims to address gaps in intellectual property protection laws and promote inter-governmental agency collaboration nationwide. Initially presented as a private member’s motion by Hon. Asuman Basalirwa, Member of Parliament for Bugiri Municipality, the bill was later tabled in parliament.
Upon its introduction, the Speaker of the 11th Parliament directed the initiators to engage with communities and gather evidence-based feedback before proceeding. In a public consultative meeting attended by district leaders, security personnel, cultural figures, and stakeholders at the District Multipurpose Hall in Nyamwamba Division of Kasese Municipality on Thursday, there was unanimous support for the bill’s passage into law.
Ms. Jolly Masika Kateeba, Deputy Speaker of the Kasese District Council, emphasized the prevalence of illegal and unverified food products in the district, expressing optimism that the bill would help regulate this issue.
Cue in Ms Kateeba…..on the law……Eng//
Kasese District Chairman Mr. Eliphazi Muhindi Bukombi highlighted the detrimental effects of counterfeiting on various sectors, stressing the need for a shift in consumer behavior towards legal and safe products.
Cue in Muhindi….on the law…..Eng//
Lt. Maate Magwara, Kasese’s Deputy Resident District Commissioner for Bukonzo County, urged Members of Parliament to transcend political affiliations and back the bill to safeguard citizens from harmful goods.
Cue in Lt. Magwara…..on the law…..Eng//
In response, Mr. Fred Muwema, Chairperson of the Anti-Counterfeit Network Africa, commended the district leadership for their support. He emphasized that the legislation would impose strict penalties, including imprisonment for up to 10 years and fines up to five times the value of the illicit goods or services.
Cue in Muwema….on the Bill…..Eng//
