The Government of Uganda, through the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), has concluded a one-day training workshop in Mbale City, where participants from various cultural institutions were trained on issues related to the preservation of indigenous knowledge.

The workshop focused on the preservation of indigenous knowledge, drawing participants from various cultural institutions, including the Inzu Ya Masaba Cultural Institution, the Bugwere Cultural Institution, the Teso Cultural Institution, and the Tieng Adhola Cultural Institution.

The training targeted officials from traditional institutions, individuals involved in herbal or indigenous medicine, select witch doctors, and rainmakers.

Facilitators from URSB outlined the bureau’s mandate, which includes business registration, collection of non-tax revenue, intellectual property registration, and the registration of marriages.

Participants were educated on the benefits of registering their indigenous knowledge and skills. The workshop covered literary, artistic, and scientific knowledge, emphasizing the importance of intellectual property rights.

Steven Masiga, the Spokesperson of Inzu Ya Masaba, emphasized the importance of training cultural institutions on preserving traditional knowledge. Specifically, he highlighted the significance of preserving locally made medicines.

Additionally, he proposed the registration of the Inzu Ya Masaba anthem, the Imbalu head gears, and the Kadodi drums as properties of the Bamasaba tribe. Mr. Masiga pledged to advocate for the preservation of these indigenous items in the Inzu Ya Masaba cabinet.

He stressed that once the Kadodi drums are registered, no one else should be allowed to use them without the permission of the Bamasaba tribe.

“Any other tribe interested in using the Bamasaba drums should obtain a license,” Mr Masiga said.

He expressed concern about witnessing people from Teso and Bukedi regions playing drums with very similar rhythms to the Bamasaba drums. He suggested that such individuals should compensate the Bamasaba tribe for using their unique invention.

Furthermore, he proposed the registration of the specific dancing strokes associated with the Bamasaba tribe. Lastly, he mentioned the possibility of registering the knowledge of making rain.

The workshop was inaugurated by a representative of the Director General of URSB and Mbale City Mayor, His Worship Kassim Namugali.

The initiative reflects the government’s commitment to preserving and promoting indigenous knowledge, ensuring it is legally protected and recognized.