WIPO Intellectual Property week

2023/3/28
Ambassador Fukuzawa giving opening remarks
Hon. Dr. Musenero giving a speech
On 21 and 23 February, Ambassador Fukuzawa attended Intellectual Property (IP) Week event organized by World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Approximately 120 people from government, universities, research and development institutions, and business sector participated in the event where lectures and workshop on IP were given with the presence of Hon. Dr. Monika Musenero, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation.
In his remarks, Ambassador Fukuzawa stated that the growth of universities, research and development institutions, and small and medium-sized enterprises through the creation of innovation is essential for sustainable development, and that Japan, together with WIPO, will contribute to the further development of IP in Africa. 
Minister Musenero mentioned that the use of IP is essential for Uganda’s further national development, that issuing guidelines on IP and simplifying registration are crucial, and that she would like to strengthen research and markets through the protection of knowledge generated in the country.
In her remarks, Ms. Mercy Kainobwisho, Register General of Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), emphasized the need to make IP, especially in the fields of public health, education and agriculture, more valuable for future economic growth, and the importance of incorporating IP registration into policies to achieve this goal.
Mr. Outule Rapuleng, Head of African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO), appreciated the Japanese government and Japan Patent Office (JPO) for many years of contribution for training and technical cooperation in the field of IP, and stated that ARIPO will continue to cooperate in the formulation of policies related to IP in Uganda and other African countries.
In his remarks, Mr. Emmanuel Rugomboka, Counselor of Division for Africa in WIPO, thanked the Japanese government and JPO support to African countries, particularly in the area of IP master’s degree scholarships and start-up coaching for young people, and expressed his hope for stronger partnerships.
At the venue
Ambassador Fukuzawa exchanged remarks with URSB, WIPO and ARIPO representatives
Group Photo