Empowering Creators: Jade Advocates, an Intellectual Property Law firm created Amidst Uganda's IP Revolution

Jade Advocates proudly announces the firm’s expertise in intellectual property law, a crucial development during a period of transformative legislative evolution within Uganda’s intellectual property landscape. Kyomuhangi’s expertise is particularly salient, given the ongoing developments that significantly shape the rights and protections afforded to creators in this increasingly digital and innovative age.

One of the most noteworthy legislative advancements is the proposed Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Amendment Bill 2025. This bill seeks to modernize the copyright framework in Uganda, addressing challenges presented by the digital evolution, particularly the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). The Uganda Law Society has been actively involved in advocating for explicit provisions related to AI within this legislative context, emphasizing the necessity for clarity regarding ownership and the rights associated with works generated by AI. These developments aim to empower the copyright registrar, thereby aligning Uganda’s legal framework with international standards and fostering a beneficial environment for the creative industries. They present significant implications for legal practitioners specializing in intellectual property as these reforms provide new avenues for advising clients on ownership disputes, licensing arrangements, and enforcement challenges in an ever-evolving technological landscape.

The Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (Amendment) Regulations, S.I. No. 73 of 2025, which commenced on September 26, 2025, complements the forthcoming legislative changes. These regulations streamline the registration process for copyright protection by eliminating the prior mandatory publication requirement in the Uganda Gazette. This amendment, championed by the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), alleviates both time and monetary burdens on creators—from artists to software developers—facilitating a more accessible pathway to securing protection against infringement and piracy. With these developments, intellectual property practitioners are poised to play a pivotal role in assisting clients to navigate these enhancements, facilitating quicker and more efficient commercialization of their works.

In concert with these legislative reforms, the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance has introduced comprehensive ICT Intellectual Property Guidelines. Developed in collaboration with stakeholders, including the URSB and representatives from the private sector, these guidelines encompass the full intellectual property value chain, from ideation to enforcement. They underscore the importance of registering software and other innovations with the URSB, promoting best practices for locally developed solutions. Such measures not only protect the intellectual rights of innovators but also foster an environment conducive to the commercialization of new technologies, addressing the inherent risks associated with Uganda’s evolving tech sector.

On an international scale, Uganda’s ratification of the Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources, and Associated Traditional Knowledge in August 2025 further enhances the protections available for innovations that are deeply intertwined with biodiversity and traditional knowledge. Additionally, updates to the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) system, that came into effect on January 1, 2026, clarify national phase entry requirements, including provisions relating to priority restoration and inventor disclosures. These updates aim to simplify and expedite the patent application process for Ugandan applicants, enhancing their ability to efficiently protect innovations domestically and globally.

Collectively, these developments represent a significant commitment to creating a robust and creator-friendly intellectual property regime in Uganda. By mitigating long-standing challenges such as administrative hurdles, rampant piracy, and inadequate digital protections, these reforms are poised to unlock new opportunities for creators and innovators. Within this dynamic context, Racheal Kyomuhangi brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to the firm, positioning herself as a key resource for clients seeking to navigate the complexities of the evolving intellectual property landscape. Her specialization aligns with Jade Advocates’ strategic objectives to deliver comprehensive and informed counsel on matters ranging from AI-related copyright strategies to ICT innovation safeguards and compliance with international treaties.

As the Ugandan landscape continues to evolve with these legislative and regulatory enhancements, the role of legal professionals in fostering a secure and supportive environment for intellectual property will be crucial. With Racheal Kyomuhangi on board, Jade Advocates is well-equipped to meet the demands of this transformative climate, ensuring that clients receive the highest quality legal guidance tailored to the nuances of Uganda’s unique intellectual property challenges and opportunities.