Job Namanya | Tayari News
The Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) has strengthened Uganda’s research and innovation ecosystem with the launch of the 38th Technology and Innovation Support Centre (TISC) at the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), marking a significant step in integrating intellectual property (IP) into scientific research and commercial development.
The new centre, unveiled at UVRI’s campus in Entebbe, is part of the global Technology and Innovation Support Centre’s programme coordinated by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO). The initiative aims to expand access to patent information, scientific and technical databases, and expert guidance on intellectual property management for researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs.
With this latest addition, URSB now counts 38 TISCs established across the country, a milestone that signals the government’s growing commitment to positioning intellectual property at the centre of Uganda’s development agenda.
Bridging Research and the Marketplace
For decades, Uganda’s research institutions have generated valuable scientific knowledge, much of it published in international journals and academic platforms. However, stakeholders have increasingly raised concerns about the limited commercialisation of locally generated innovations.
By situating the TISC at UVRI, one of the country’s premier biomedical research institutions, URSB intends to bridge that gap.
The Centre will offer researchers structured support in conducting technology searches, analysing patent landscapes, developing IP strategies, and navigating patent filing procedures. It will also provide advisory services on commercialisation pathways, enabling scientists to move their discoveries from laboratory benches to market-ready solutions.
In practical terms, this means that a vaccine candidate, diagnostic kit, or laboratory technology developed at UVRI will not only be scientifically validated but also legally protected and strategically positioned for investment and global competitiveness.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Dr Samuel Okware, Director General of the Uganda National Health Research Organisation, described the establishment of the TISC as a transformative milestone for Uganda’s health research sector.
“This Centre will help our researchers benchmark against global innovations, reduce duplication of research, and access critical patent and scientific databases. These are essential ingredients for nurturing a sustainable culture of innovation,” Dr Okware said.
He noted that access to global patent databases allows scientists to determine whether similar technologies already exist, identify potential collaborators, and refine their work to meet global standards.
Anchoring IP in National Development
Representing the Registrar General, Commissioner of Finance and Administration at URSB, Ekaju, emphasised that the launch of the 38th TISC aligns directly with Uganda’s broader development blueprint.
He pointed to the aspirations of Uganda Vision 2040 and the priorities outlined in National Development Plan IV, both of which underscore science, technology and innovation as drivers of socio-economic transformation.
“Our vision is clear. Research must not end in academic publication. It must translate into protected technologies, commercial products, and sustainable enterprises that create jobs and improve livelihoods,” Ekaju said.
He explained that embedding IP services within research institutions ensures that innovation is safeguarded at its earliest stages. Rather than treating patents as an afterthought, researchers are encouraged to integrate IP considerations into project design, funding proposals and collaborative agreements.
According to URSB officials, the TISC network is also expected to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs), startups and independent innovators who often lack access to specialised IP expertise.
A Strategic Location
The choice of UVRI as the host institution is widely regarded as strategic. Established in 1936, the institute has earned international recognition for its work in virology, vaccine development and disease surveillance.
Prof. Pontiano Kaleebu, Director of UVRI, welcomed the partnership with URSB, noting that while the institute has long conducted impactful scientific work, structured IP support will strengthen its ability to protect and commercialise its outputs.
“For years, we have generated knowledge that has contributed to global health. With this Centre, we can now ensure that our innovations are not only scientifically sound but also legally protected and commercially viable,” Prof. Kaleebu said.
He added that the TISC will enhance researchers’ confidence in engaging with private sector partners and international collaborators, knowing that their intellectual assets are secured.
Observers at the ceremony noted that as global competition for scientific breakthroughs intensifies , particularly in fields such as vaccine development and biotechnology , intellectual property management has become indispensable.
Building a Knowledge-Based Economy
Uganda’s innovation landscape has evolved steadily over the past decade, with increased government investment in science and technology, the growth of innovation hubs, and stronger university-industry linkages. However, experts argue that without robust IP frameworks, many local innovations risk exploitation or remain underutilised.
Through the TISC programme, URSB is working to embed IP literacy within academia and research institutions. The centres provide training workshops, mentorship, and access to global patent databases, empowering innovators to make informed decisions about protecting and commercialising their ideas.
By expanding the TISC network to 38 centres nationwide, URSB is reinforcing its mandate to promote intellectual property as a catalyst for socio-economic transformation. The initiative also strengthens Uganda’s integration into the global knowledge economy, where competitive advantage increasingly depends on innovation and intellectual capital.