Takeaways

• Sylver Kyagulanyi urged Ugandan filmmakers to prioritize intellectual property rights and creative ownership.
• He explained patents, trademarks, copyright, and licensing as tools for protecting and monetizing film work.
• The iKONversations Masterclass focused on building a sustainable and legally aware creative industry in Uganda.

Celebrated singer, songwriter, and lawyer Sylver Kyagulanyi has called on Ugandan filmmakers to take full ownership of their creative rights.

He made the remarks during the latest edition of #iKONVERSATIONS, held at Reach A Hand Uganda in Lungujja on April 21, 2026. The session focused on unpacking policy, intellectual property (IP), and what it means for creatives navigating a rapidly evolving industry, under the theme: The Future of Cinema.

While discussions around Intellectual Property Rights in Uganda have often centered on the music industry, the rapid growth of the local film sector now demands equal attention. Filmmakers play a key role in shaping Uganda’s cultural narrative and driving the creative economy, yet many continue to face challenges related to ownership, protection, and monetization of their work.

Understanding Intellectual Property Rights

Addressing creative professionals, Kyagulanyi emphasized that strong intellectual property frameworks are essential for accelerating creativity, driving industry growth, and attracting investment.

He broke down the core pillars of IP rights to help creatives better understand how they are protected:

• Patents: Mainly applied to scientific innovations and require that an invention is entirely new.
• Trademarks: Protect a brand’s identity, including unique elements such as logos, names, and colors.
• Copyrights: Protect the original expression of ideas. Kyagulanyi noted that this sparked discussion among participants, especially around issues of work being copied before formal registration.

Smart Contracts and Creative Ownership

Kyagulanyi also offered practical guidance on business and monetization strategies, urging filmmakers to be cautious when entering contracts, especially those involving funding or brand partnerships.

“Even when you accept money, you can make the agreement non-exclusive,” he advised. “Sometimes it is just brand association. Just keep the values you can afford.”

He stressed that creatives should think beyond immediate financial survival and focus on long-term ownership. While one project may not be highly profitable, retaining rights can ensure sustainable income from future works.

Maximizing Revenue Through Licensing

He further highlighted the importance of licensing as a tool for revenue generation, including:

• Mechanical Licenses: Allow third parties to reproduce or use intellectual property in merchandise or related products.
• Derivative Licenses: Used in cases where parts of a film are legally incorporated into advertisements or other productions.

Building a Sustainable Creative Industry

These discussions remain critical in promoting fair compensation and creating an enabling environment for Uganda’s creative sector to thrive. By understanding intellectual property law, budgeting, donor compliance, and contract structures, filmmakers are better positioned to protect their work and maximize available opportunities.

About The iKON Awards

The iKON Awards is an annual Ugandan film and television celebration of creativity, excellence, and innovation in the country’s film and creative sector. The awards honour outstanding talent, projects, and contributions that elevate Uganda’s creative industry both locally and internationally.

For more information, visit: https://theikon.org/awards/