FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim has called for stronger protection of intellectual property in sport following his participation as a panellist at the World Intellectual Property Day 2026 event organised by the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB).
The engagement highlighted the growing importance of intellectual property within sport and the need for deliberate efforts towards registration and enforcement.
Speaking after the event, Hon. Magogo stressed the importance of recognising sport as a creation that must be protected.
‘The law recognises what has been registered as intellectual property. It is good that URSB has found this theme very important to be brought here, that look guys, sport is a creation, sport is something that is owned by those who create it.’
He explained that key elements in sport such as broadcasting and image rights can only generate value when safeguarded.
‘So whatever you are going to talk about as intellectual property, you are going to talk about broadcasting rights, you are going to talk about image rights of the athletes, you are going to talk about trademarks. All of these can only make commercial value if they are protected.’
Hon. Magogo urged stakeholders across the sports industry to take deliberate steps towards registration.
‘So I think it is a good theme to encourage every participant, every creator in the sports industry to register their intellectual property, because that is the only way the law is going to protect us.’
He also pointed to the existing gap between legislation and enforcement, noting that challenges persist despite progress made.
‘Of course, we have also discussed issues of the law versus enforcement, indicating that yes, the laws are in place, registration has been done, but still there are areas where enforcement is not being applied. We still have very many counterfeit jerseys in the market, despite the fact that the federation has already registered its intellectual property.’
He described the initiative as a positive step forward while expressing optimism for improved enforcement.
‘But I think for me it is a good beginning, that eventually we are recognising that sport must be protected by registering intellectual property and the laws are in place, and we hope the enforcement will come as well.’
The FUFA President reiterated that safeguarding intellectual property is essential for the sustainable growth and commercial development of sport.
