Innovators in Western Uganda are raising red flags over increasing incidents of intellectual property (IP) theft, which they say are stifling the creativity and motivation of student inventors in higher institutions of learning.
The outcry was made during a one-day workshop on ICT Intellectual Property Guidelines held at Kabale University in Kabale Municipality.
The workshop, organized by the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), aimed to equip young innovators with knowledge on how to protect their ideas.
Kintu Rodgers and Blair Nkuba, students at Kabale University, shared that many of their peers have watched their innovations disappear into the hands of opportunists—particularly during exhibitions organized by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), where projects are often still in early development.
“Our innovations are being hijacked at national expos, especially by people from larger institutions,” the students lamented. “This has discouraged many of us from continuing our projects. Without protection, there’s no motivation.”
Prof. Johnny Mugisha, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at Kabale University, admitted that the threat is real—even revealing that he has withheld some of his own innovations out of fear of theft.
However, he expressed hope that the workshop would help innovators acquire practical tools to safeguard their intellectual assets.
He also urged students and faculty to explore the use of artificial intelligence in advancing and securing their creations.
Shirley Gladys Nakyejwe, from the Ministry of ICT’s Department of Research and Development, underscored the importance of the ICT Intellectual Property Guidelines, describing them as a vital foundation for innovation and entrepreneurship.
“With proper knowledge and use of these guidelines,” she said, “young innovators can confidently develop, protect, and commercialize their ideas.”
As the push for innovation gains momentum in Uganda, calls are growing louder for stronger IP protections to ensure the nation’s brightest minds can thrive without fear of losing ownership of their dreams.
