GIDEON T
The Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), yesterday commenced the extension of the Regional ICT Innovation Hubs’ dissemination of Uganda’s ICT Intellectual Property (IP) Guidelines—an important milestone in safeguarding and commercializing innovation within the country’s rapidly growing technology sector.
These ICT IP Guidelines are designed to stimulate innovation, promote adherence to best practices, protect intellectual property rights, and support commercialization to drive economic growth.
Speaking at the dissemination workshop held at the Kabale Regional ICT Innovation Hub at Kabale University in the university’s computer lab, Shirley Gladys Nakyejwe, a senior ICT officer and intellectual property specialist at the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, addressed a common concern about artificial intelligence.
She acknowledged fears that AI could stifle human creativity by reinforcing existing trends and limiting new ideas. However, she emphasized that AI’s purpose is to amplify creativity and innovation. It streamlines research, boosts efficiency, and provides access to a wide range of diverse information sources.
Shirley further highlighted the importance of integrating ICT across various sectors while maintaining a strong legal framework to prevent violations of intellectual property rights.
Shimpei Watanabe, JICA’s ICT and Industry Promotion Project Expert, reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting Uganda in developing and disseminating these transformative ICT guidelines.
He noted that JICA aims to fuel innovation, create employment, and expand opportunities, particularly for youth, while exploring avenues for Ugandan IT engineers to secure jobs in Japan.
Prof. Johnny Mugisha, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at Kabale University, welcomed the dissemination of Uganda’s ICT Intellectual Property Guidelines through the Regional ICT Innovation Hubs, describing it as a positive step toward advancing technology in the country.
He noted that Artificial Intelligence (AI) itself is a form of innovation that enhances human thinking and creativity—unless it is misused. He said AI is an eye-opener and doesn’t hinder other innovations; rather, it complements them.
Prof. Mugisha also emphasized that despite the growing role of AI, human creativity and critical thinking remain central.
