Bugiri Municipality MP Asuman Basalirwa has championed the Anti-Counterfeit Goods and Services Bill 2023 as a decisive measure against the escalating trade in counterfeit goods and services in Uganda. Addressing concerns over the inadequacy of existing laws to combat this issue, Basalirwa emphasized the need for robust legislation that includes stringent penalties to deter offenders.
“At present, Uganda lacks a unified law to effectively address counterfeit and substandard goods,” Basalirwa stated during consultations at the Sheraton Hotel Kampala. He underscored the bill’s aim to impose severe consequences on those involved in the production and sale of counterfeit goods, highlighting its potential impact on public health and economic stability.
The proposed legislation, which Basalirwa introduced as a Private Member’s Bill in July 2023, targets counterfeit products that violate intellectual property rights, particularly copyrights and trademarks. It empowers authorities such as the Uganda Revenue Authority and Uganda National Bureau of Standards to enforce confiscations and penalties.
Agnes Ssali, Legal Director at Uganda Breweries, echoed the bill’s significance, citing data from the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC) indicating substantial losses and unfair competition due to counterfeit products. She emphasized that counterfeit goods evade taxes and legal standards, posing a grave threat to legitimate businesses and national revenue.
Fred Muwema, Chairman of the Anti-Counterfeit Network (ACN), highlighted the bill’s potential to mitigate the profound societal impacts of counterfeit consumption, advocating for its enactment after years of advocacy efforts.
Thadeus Musoke, Chairman of the Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA), called for increased funding and oversight for implementing agencies like the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) to curb corruption and ensure compliance with standards.
The Anti-Counterfeit Goods and Services Bill 2023 aims to address these multifaceted challenges, striving to safeguard public health, protect intellectual property, and foster fair competition in Uganda’s marketplace.
