DEPUTY REGISTRAR GENERAL ASSURES CMO LEADERSHIP OF URSB’S SUPPORT TOWARDS THE CREATIVE SECTOR DEPUTY REGISTRAR GENERAL’S OFFICE Deputy Registrar General, Mr. Alex Anganya delivers his speech during the training session for leaders of CMOs at the UBFC Auditorium in Kololo. Vol 30, Issue 91; 21st – 25th August , 2023 The functioning of Collective Management Organisations (CMOs) in the digital domain is of key importance for national development. Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) as the national Intellectual Property body is charged with regulating and ensuring that these CMOs operate professionally while supporting their membership to reap the benefits of association. This, and more of what the CMO leadership can expect from URSB was fully outlined by the Deputy Registrar General, Mr. Alex Anganya last Thursday while delivering his opening remarks at the leadership capacity building training for board of directors and chief executive officers of CMOs held at the UBFC auditorium in Kololo. Over 24 participants attended the two day engagement. URSB WILL SUPPORT CMOs TO GROW THE CREATIVE SECTOR Speaking to the CMO executives, Mr. Anganya assured them of URSB’s ever-ready stance to ensure that their activities, plans and initiatives are supported. “The training of the CMOs is part of the larger strategy of professionalizing the entire system of Collective Management and indeed the creative sector. URSB strongly believes that the CMO system will support and effect the National Development Program(NDP) of community mobilization and mind set change through engaging its membership that largely constitutes an informal sector. Through the collection of bio-data, enforcing National Identification Numbers(NINs) and bank accounts for distribution of royalties, the CMO, to that extent plays a role in transformation of society from the informal to the formal sector” Mr. Anganya said The deputy registrar general added that URSB looked forward to fully functioning CMOs where powers and roles were clearly defined as well as bringing to light issues identified in monitoring and evaluation exercises that the CMOs needed to address both at operations and management level.
The Registrar General at the finishing point FOR THE LOVE OF HUMANITY; REGISTRAR GENERAL PARTICIPATES IN THE ROTARY CANCER RUN National government programs cannot address the complexity of all community issues. Some of these issues though can be addressed in the spirit of privatepublic partnership where all players co-operate to achieve sustained gains over time. Rotary International is one of these organisations that playing a significant role in this arena supporting communities to tackle their inherent disfunctions. REGISTRAR GENERAL’s COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ASPIRATIONS Enlightened and well-developed CEOs and boards are now stepping up to not only build aspirational entities, but also thriving communities. The Registrar General, Ms. Mercy K. Kainobwisho is intensely involved in many activities geared towards bettering communities through organisations like Rotary International. She is a a past President of the vibrant Rotary Club of Bukoto where she still plays a leading role as the Coordinator of the Maternal & Child Health Program at both club and national level. Her work has supported safe infant and mothers’ health for many. RUNNING FOR CANCER SUPPORT CEOs can uniquely work as catalysts to bring non-profits, government leaders, educators, foundations, and faith-based communities together to address complex problems such as the growing cancer scourge across Uganda. To enhance Rotary International’s initiatives to raise funds for cancer victims, the Registrar General joined thousands of Ugandans who forewent their morning sleep on Sunday to “run for hope” in the 12th edition of the Rotary Cancer Run at the Kololo Ceremonial ground. A total of 1.56 billion shillings was raised. “For the last 9 years, I have participated in the Rotary run against cancer, a rotary program whose vision bearer is Past District Governor Stephen Mwanje. As a Rotarian I thank all those that continue to support the cause. Together, we shall defeat cancer”. The Registrar General wrote after the run. Vol 30, Issue 91; 21st – 25th August , 2023
Vol 30, Issue 91; 21 URSB GENERAL ACTIVITIES st – 25th August , 2023 URSB, UGANDA LAW SOCIETY PARTNER FOR THE 6th ANNUAL CONFERENCE Learned friends! The URSB team that represented at the Law Conference The conference had speakers from not only the legal sector but others such as Oil & gas, ICT, commerce and Trade. URSB’s Director Civil Registration, Vincent Katutsi & Director Intellectual Property Gilbert Agaba were panelists and discussed the rapidly evolving registration eco-system. They shed light on how URSB is adapting to the ever-changing landscape, ensuring that registration processes remain efficient, accessible, and aligned with modern trends. The Uganda Law Society (ULS) hosted its 6th Annual Law Conference from August 24th to 25th August, 2023, at the prestigious Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort. The much-anticipated event brought together a gathering of legal minds from across the country, but it also presented a unique opportunity to network, build working partnerships with entities like Uganda Registration Services Bureau. ULS and URSB work closely on various legal aspects. The Annual Law Conference holds immense significance in the legal fraternity, providing a platform for lawyers, judges, and legal professionals to engage in robust dialogues, share expertise, and deepen their understanding of crucial legal issues. URSB ON THE PANEL Director IP, Gilbert Agaba during his panel discussion highlighting the significance of Uganda's current copyright law
Vol 30, Issue 91; 21 DIRECTORATE OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY st – 25th August , 2023 URSB OFFERS CAPACITY BUILDING TRAINING TO COLLECTIVE MANAGEMENT ORGANISATION LEADERSHIP Last week, Uganda Registration Services Bureau through the directorate of intellectual property engaged CEOs and boards of directors of collective management organisations (CMOs) in a capacity building training session. The training is part of URSB’s efforts in professionalizing CMOs which will ensure they are run on principles of good governance, transparency and accountability. MORE TRAININGS PLANNED According to Gilbert Agaba, the Director Intellectual Property, URSB will continue conducting similar capacity-building trainings to ensure the growth of the collective management system in Uganda. A collective management organisation (CMO) is appointed by copyright holders to manage the Deputy Registrar General, Mr. Alex Anganya (seated rights in their copyright works. centre) in a group picture with CEOs and members of the boards of directors from the film, movie, performing arts and reproductive rights organisations during their capacity building training at the Uganda Business Facilitation Centre in Kololo.
Vol 30, Issue 91; 21 PUBLIC RELATIONS & CORPORATE AFFAIRS UNIT st – 25th August , 2023 BIG HEARTS; URSB staff that took part in the 12th edition of the Rotary Cancer Run in a group picture after completion of the run. The team were URSB’s ambassadors in the run and joined the 40,000 participants that collected 1.56 billion shillings which will go towards the completion of bunkers that will radiotherapy machines needed in the fight against cancer. COLLECTIVE SOCIAL IMPACT: URSB JOINS ROTARY FOR THE 12TH EDITION OF THE CANCER RUN Kololo Independence Grounds on Sunday morning hosted the 12th annual Rotary Cancer Run, drawing thousands of participants, including an 18-man team from the Uganda Registration Services Bureau. This year’s run had a global reach, with people joining in from various locations across Uganda and key cities worldwide. Funds from previous events supported a Cancer Ward at Nsambya, catering to over 800 patients annually, and a Mengo Hospital blood bank supplying 1,800 units per year. RUNNING FOR HOPE Under the theme “Run for Hope,” this year’s aim was to raise UGX 2 billion shillings dedicated to constructing two bunkers at St. Francis Hospital Nsambya, housing LINAC cancer testing and treatment machines, crucial in the fight against cancer in Uganda. URSB has with strategic intent been involved in all initiatives started up to support communities overcome complex challenges that can only be tackled through collective efforts such as the Rotary Cancer Run, the annual Corporate Social Responsibility projects
Vol 30, Issue 91; 21 PUBLIC RELATIONS & CORPORATE AFFAIRS UNIT st – 25th August , 2023 12th ROTARY CANCER RUN RAISES AWARENESS TO FACILITATE CANCER TREATMENT- PICTORIAL Below; Registrar General in a group picture with Rotary International District Governor Hon. Dr. Mike Kennedy Sebalu together with other URSB staff. Right; URSB staff work out before the run, and a group picture of the URSB at the starting point.
Vol 30, Issue 91; 21 PUBLIC RELATIONS & CORPORATE AFFAIRS UNIT st – 25th August , 2023 Above; Sunday Patrick was a lucky man as he posed with the lovely ladies.
DIRECTORATE OF BUSINESS REGISTRATION KIRI EASY! MASS BUSINESS REGISTRATION TARGETS FORMALISATION OF SMALL, MEDIUM ENTERPRISES Various research has branded Uganda as the most entrepreneurial country in the world yet most of the startups collapse within a year or two. This is attributed to informality in trade, especially lack of cheap credit to sustain businesses. URSB’s BUSINESS PROJECT TO CHANGE FORTUNES The mass business registration project will see the turnaround to formalization for most of these close to 6 Million businesses that still operate informally. This will allow them to partake the benefits of formalization. STRATEGIC FOCUS The mass business project is now focusing on the many micro, small and medium enterprises, as well as individual businesses currently in the informal sector countrywide. SCOPE Mass Business Pre-project interventions so far include: - • Stakeholder mapping; These include Government Ministries, Divisions and Agencies (MDAs), business leaders and local community leaders such as the Parish Development committee, among other interest groups. • Recruitment and deployment of a project team to cover the entire country (100 districts for starters). • Identify and train the Agents to effect the concept of ‘Agent Registration’. Vol 30, Issue 91; 21st – 25th August , 2023
Vol 30, Issue 91; 21 CHATTELS REGISTRY st – 25th August , 2023 URSB’s SIMPO REGISTRY MAKES A MARK AS AGRICULTURAL FINANCE YEAR BOOK IS LAUNCHED On 24th August 2023, the Permanent Secretary/Secretary to the Treasury, Mr. Ramathan Ggoobi launched the 2022 Agricultural Finance Yearbook at the Protea Hotel, Kololo. The AYFB is an annual publication that commenced in 2007, with the 2022 version being its 12th edition, and launched under the theme “Towards climate responsive agricultural finance in Uganda”. URSB WEIGHS IN THROUGH SIMPO The 2022 AFYB features an article about URSB’s Security Interest in Movable Property Registry (SIMPO), titled ‘Promoting moveable collateral for financing agriculture: The case of the Security Interest in Movable Property Registry System (SIMPO)’ which was co-authored by Ms. Stellah Kakwezi Olimi, the Head Chattels Registry. Ms Victoria Oketta, Registration Officer, represented URSB at the event where she made a poster presentation about the SIMPO registry. ABOUT SIMPO The Security Interest in Movable Property Registry System (SIMPO) replaced the manual Chattels Securities Registry. Its attendant legal framework responds to the pressing needs of the youth, women and SMEs who cannot access affordable credit due to lack of land, which is the preferred collateral for financial institutions. SIMPO is also intended to drive financial inclusion through facilitating access to affordable credit as guided by Vision 2040, the Third National Development Plan 2020-2025, and the 2016 – 2021 NRM Manifesto.
DIRECTORATE OF BUSINESS REGISTRATION URSB WILL CONSTINUE TO STRIKE NON-COMPLIANT COMPANIES OFF THE BUSINESS REGISTER Vol 30, Issue 91; 21st – 25th August , 2023 As part of the clean-up of the business registry, non compliant companies that have not filed their annual returns and updated their data for more than 5 years were struck off the register, attracting media attention. Rachel Kamusiime, a Registration Officer in the Business Directorate told audiences on Smart TV last week that the clean up would continue until all companies on the register were fully compliant. LEGAL BASIS Pursuant to Section 134(5) of the Companies Act 1 of 2012, on 20th March 2023, URSB published a notice requiring all companies to file their annual returns. Companies that fail to file annual returns for five (5) years are now required to file a statement of solvency and show cause why they should not be struck off the register. In accordance with Section 134(6) of the Companies Act 1 of 2012, notice was given that 186,000 companies would be struck off the register. Rachel Kamusiime during her appearance on Smart TV’s Policon show last Thursday.
Vol 30, Issue 91; 21 REGIONAL OFFICE ACTIVITIES-HOIMA st – 25th August , 2023 URSB HAILED FOR SETTING UP OFFICE IN THE ALBERTINE REGION Natural resource exploitation and extraction is a fast-growing industry in Uganda, especially in the oil-rich Albertine region, with positive results for communities living in or around project areas. URSB OPENS HOIMA OFFICE Activities carried out by various actors involved in natural resource exploitation and extraction – including government entities like URSB and private companies; have led to ease of services access, improvement in social and economic development, with lasting long-term benefits. William Draku, the Hoima Regional Head made this known during a workshop organized by Uganda Extractive Industries and Kitara Civil Society Organizations Network at HB Hotel in Hoima City last week.
Vol 30, Issue 91; 21 DIRECTORATE OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY st – 25th August , 2023 URSB PRESENTS MANDATE TO HERBALISTS DURING NATURAL HEALING RESEARCH EXHIBITION URSB last week participated in an EXPO 2023 dubbed “Obutonde ddagala Natural Healing Research” organized by the National Chemotherapeutic Research Institute at Old Kampala S.S. The Expo was held from 25th to 27th September, 2023. Wabugo Michael and Kobusingye Brenda from the Directorate of Intellectual Property represented URSB. HERBALISTS BRIEFED At the event, Wabugo made a presentation to the exhibitors, mainly herbalists about the mandate of URSB and how to utilize and protect their intellectual property. He also discussed the types of IP & related protection.
Vol 30, Issue 91; 21 HAPPINESS COMMITTEE INITIATIVES st – 25th August , 2023 UGANDANS, KENYANS HAPPIEST IN EAST AFRICA – 2023 WORLD HAPPINESS INDEX The latest 2023 World Happiness Index has revealed that Ugandans and Kenyans are happier than their counterparts in the East African community bloc. The global happiness ranking places Kenya in the 111th position while Uganda is in the 113th position of the 150 countries surveyed. In the EAC bloc, Tanzania was also surveyed and emerged in the 129th position while the Democratic Republic of Congo is ranked 133rd. Rwanda, Burundi and South Sudan do not appear on the rankings list. CAN URSB STAFF REPLICATE THE HAPPINESS? Staff happiness is having a positive attitude toward one’s work, being willing to solve problems, accepting constructive criticism, and constantly striving to improve oneself without feeling pressed. Happy employees enjoy what they do and have high levels of engagement and job satisfaction. Happy employees are productive employees. That’s a fact that has been proven time and time again. According to Sonja Lyubomirsky’s ‘The How Of Happiness’, 50% of happiness is genetically pre-determined, while 10% is due to circumstances in life (Family, health etc.) and 40% is the result of your own personal outlook. The Registrar General (centre in white cap) Ms. Mercy K. Kainobwisho celebrates with her team mates during the last staff engagement. Management has a role to play in ensuring staff are happy. URSB Happiness Committee cannot do anything about the first two, but the last 40% of happiness is something that we all can work towards achieving. Analyzing what makes staff happy is quite difficult, but it is more difficult to change the structure of our daily work pattern and prioritize staff happiness, a direction the committee is working for.
Vol 30, Issue 91; 21 URSB SACCO st – 25th August , 2023 On top of the previously introduced products, "ToTo Savings account & School fees Account", the URSB SACCO last weekend unveiled two more products to give savers a wide array of options to enable them grow their personal fortunes. The two new offerings, the Fixed Savings Account & Target Savings Account are attractive enough since they come with 10% annual interest rates in addition to having flexible saving amounts To take advantage of these offers, or to get more information about the products, staff should reach out to the SACCO Manager, Rogers Abaho. With over 2.4 billion shillings in members savings, 224 members, the SACCO remains a credible source for staff looking to grow their savings for personal wealth. INNOVATIVE; URSB SACCO OFFERS SAVERS WIDER OPTIONS TO GROW WEALTH
LITERATURE FOR THE YOUNG READERS The Mama Tendo books are back with yet another series for our young learners. The series are suited for infants between 4-7 years. The books have the Handwriting with Phonics and the Beginners Math I sold together as a set or severed. The set costs 30,000 shillings while each book costs 15,000 shillings. To buy copies, contact Kalibbala Phillip at 3rd Floor, IP Directorate or via extension 533. Let’s build the literacy and knowledge base of our children Vol 30, Issue 91; 21st – 25th August , 2023
PUBLIC RELATIONS & CORPORATE AFFAIRS UNIT EVENTS SUMMARY CALENDAR AUGUST- SEPTEMBER 2023 DATE EVENT NAME RESPONSIBILITY 1. 31st August, 2023 REGIONAL TRAINING ON INSOLVENCY LAW Directorate of Insolvency & Receivership 2. 03rd – 13th September, 2023 INTER-GOVERNMENTAL COMMITTEE ON INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, GENETIC RESOURCES, TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE & CULTURAL EXPRESSIONS CONFERENCE Directorate of Intellectual Property 3. 15th September, 2023 WORKSHOP ON INDUSTRIAL DESIGNS Directorate of Intellectual Property 4. 26th – 28th September, 2023 AFRICAN REGIONAL WORKSHOP ON TRADIONAL MEDICAL KNOWWLEDGE WORKSHOP Directorate of Intellectual Property 5. 2nd - 4th October, 2023 PCT AND E-PCT TRAINING FOR OFFICES AND APPLICANTS Directorate of Intellectual Property 6. 12th -13th September, 2023 REGULATORS COLLOQUIUM AND INSOL INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL CONFERENCE, TOKYO JAPAN Directorate of Insolvency & Receivership 7. 18th – 21st September, 2023. THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF INSOLVENCY REGULATORS AGM AND CONFERENCE IN BELGRADE , SERBIA Directorate of Insolvency & Receivership 8. 31st October, 2023 TRAINING FOR SENIOR MANAGEMENT ON DATA PROTECTION & PRIVACY-UBFC AUDITORIUM Enforcement & Compliance Unit 9. October, 2023 GULU REGIONAL INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY (IP) CONFERENCE Directorate of Intellectual Property Vol 30, Issue 91; 21st – 25th August , 2023
Vol 30, Issue 91; 21st – 25th August , 2023
TOP TIPS SECTION New in the Spotlight; TOP TIPS Section When you list priority areas of concentration, you excel! As part of the drive to support directorates and units identify areas of priority from what is highlighted in the media, The Spotlight Magazine is introducing a TOP TIPS Section. Please look out for this week’s tip. Uganda Registration Services Bureau is mandated to register partnerships and business set-ups. The Government directive is an opportunity for the directorate of business registration to engage start-ups in a bid to support these entities to merge and keep in business. Vol 30, Issue 91; 21st – 25th August , 2023
Source https://www.pinterest.com Vol 30, Issue 91; 21st – 25th August , 2023
Vol 30, Issue 91; 21st – 25th August , 2023 WHAT UGANDA’S ALCOHOL FIGURES HIDE Uganda, like many other countries, faces significant challenges related to alcohol use disorders (AUDs) resulting from hazardous alcohol consumption. This situation has a considerable impact on public health and the social well-being of consumers. As part of an ambitious initiative to tackle alcohol-related problems, in collaboration with WHO, 17 addiction treatment specialists held a five-day workshop to draft a manual to guide the screening and management of people affected by hazardous drinking and alcohol use disorders. Present at the workshop, Dr. Hafisa Kasule, WHO Technical Officer for Non-Communicable Diseases, revealed that “Ugandans currently consume over 12 liters of pure alcohol per year per capita. Surprisingly, less than 50% of the population consumes alcohol, which means that the few who do drink are drinking too much, a challenge that demands immediate action,” she said. She also stressed that tackling the pervasive problem of harmful alcohol use is essential to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3.5 on alcohol and substance abuse. Taking part in the workshop, the Ministry of Health psychiatrist, Dr. Kenneth Kalani Okware, explained that to combat and reduce the impact of excessive alcohol consumption, it is essential to develop a comprehensive tool that will help primary health care workers deliver effective care. Revelations made at Ministry of Health experts meeting on alcohol use disorders “ The harmful use of alcohol has a devastating impact on Consumers’ health including injuries, mental health problems, and diseases like cancer and stroke. I call on the government of Uganda to Strengthen restrictions on alcohol availability and Facilitate access to screening, brief interventions, and treatment at all levels,” Dr. Yonas Tegegn, Woldemariam, WHO Representative to Uganda Moving forward, WHO is in discussions with members of the Ugandan parliament to lobby for the adoption of the Alcohol Control Bill. This law will provide a legal basis for controlling the production, marketing, and consumption of alcohol in the country Source: https://www.independent.co.ug
Vol 30, Issue 91; 21st – 25th August , 2023 VICTOR KIPLANGAT: UGANDAN WINS MEN’S MARATHON GOLD AT 2023 WORLD ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS IN HUNGARY Victor Kiplangat won gold during the men’s marathon at the 2023 World Athletics Championships on Sunday, August 27 in Budapest, Hungary. The 23-year-old Ugandan was unstoppable posting a time of 2 hours, 8 minutes and 52 seconds. Israel national Manu Teferi clocked 2:09:12 to take bronze ahead of Ethiopian Leul Gebresilase with 2:09:19. The competitive race had the leading pack neck-toneck with Gebresilase (1:46:53) and the Kiplangat, a member of U.S. Quercia Trentingrana club close by each other. Defending champion Tola Tamira and another Ugandan Stephen Kissa were nearby off 15 seconds. With 4 kilometres left, Kiplangat broke away from Gebresilase sprinting to the finish line. Meanwhile, Teferi overtook Gebresilase inside the last 400m to bag silver with the Ethiopian only settling for bronze. Victor Kiplangat celebrates the gold in the men's marathon at 2023 World Athletics championship | Credit: World Athletics This is Uganda’s gold medal at the 2023 World Athletics Championships after Joshua Cheptegei’s success in the 10,000m race. Source: https://www.kawowo.com
Vol 30, Issue 91; 21st – 25th August , 2023 EDITORIAL TEAM • Steven Douglas Baryevuga If you have any feedback, information on an event or want to publish articles in The Weekly Spotlight, please email steven.baryevuga@ursb.go.ug before 5:00pm every THURSDAY.