Ugandan filmmakers and other creators gathered in Lungujja on April 21, 2026, as the latest edition of #iKONVERSATIONS sparked a powerful conversation about ownership, value, and the future of cinema. Hosted at Reach A Hand Uganda, the masterclass brought together filmmakers, industry stakeholders, and legal experts under a central theme: The Future of Cinema.
At the heart of the discussion, celebrated singer, songwriter, and lawyer Sylver Kyagulanyi delivered a firm message to Uganda’s growing film community. He urged filmmakers to take control of their creative rights and treat intellectual property as the backbone of a sustainable career, not an afterthought.
He opened the conversation by grounding the audience in the realities of intellectual property law. Rather than presenting abstract theory, he broke it down in a way filmmakers could immediately connect to their daily work. He explained that patents protect new inventions and apply mainly to scientific or technical innovations. He then showed how trademarks safeguard identity, including logos, names, and visual branding that distinguish creative work in a crowded market. Kyagulanyi also emphasized copyright as the most critical protection for filmmakers because it secures original expression and shields stories, scripts, and films from unauthorized use.
Filmmakers advised to understand intellectual property
As he unpacked these concepts, Kyagulanyi encouraged the audience to think beyond creation and focus on protection. He stressed that Uganda’s film industry cannot grow sustainably if creators lose ownership of their work at the point of production or distribution. He explained that filmmakers often face pressure to surrender rights too early, especially when funding enters the picture. However, he reminded them that every contract carries long-term consequences that extend far beyond the immediate payment.
He pushed the conversation further by addressing the relationship between money and ownership. He urged filmmakers to negotiate strategically when working with investors or brands. Kyagulanyi explained that creatives can still accept funding without giving up full control. According to him, non-exclusive agreements and brand associations often offer a better balance because they allow filmmakers to earn income while maintaining ownership of their work. He reinforced this point by reminding creators that short-term financial relief should never erase long-term creative value.
Throughout the session, Kyagulanyi kept returning to a central idea: ownership builds sustainability. He explained that filmmakers may sometimes accept losses on individual projects, but they recover those losses through long-term rights retention. Kyagulanyi encouraged them to think like entrepreneurs rather than purely artists, especially in a market where intellectual property determines future income streams.
He also introduced practical strategies that filmmakers can use to expand their revenue potential. He explained how licensing plays a critical role in unlocking new opportunities. For instance, mechanical licenses allow creators to authorize third parties to use their work for merchandise, while derivative licenses give permission for selective use of film content in advertisements or other commercial projects. He emphasized that these tools help filmmakers maximize the value of their content while maintaining control over how it gets used.
iKONVERSATIONS to lead transformational conversations in the film industry
The discussion grew more engaging as participants reflected on how often creators overlook these opportunities. Many filmmakers in the room expressed concern about how easily content circulates without proper protection, especially in the digital age. Kyagulanyi responded by reinforcing the importance of early awareness and informed decision-making. He encouraged creators to understand contracts before signing them and to seek clarity on every clause that affects ownership.
The session, organized under Reach A Hand Uganda, formed part of the broader #iKONVERSATIONS platform, which continues to position itself as a space for learning, policy dialogue, and industry growth. The initiative supports Uganda’s creative economy by bridging the gap between artistic expression and legal understanding.
As the conversation progressed, the message became increasingly clear. Uganda’s film industry stands at a turning point where creativity alone is no longer enough. Filmmakers must also understand the systems that protect, monetize, and sustain their work. Kyagulanyi’s message reinforced this shift and encouraged creators to move with intention, knowledge, and confidence.
He closed the session by reminding filmmakers that every creative decision carries long-term weight. He urged them to treat their intellectual property as their most valuable asset and to protect it with the same energy they use to create. His message resonated strongly with attendees, many of whom left the session with a renewed understanding of how legal awareness can shape artistic success.
The conversation at iKONVERSATIONS highlighted a growing movement within Uganda’s creative industry, one that recognizes that the future of cinema depends not only on talent but also on ownership, strategy, and protection.
