Members of Parliament are gearing up for a crucial phase in the legislative process as they prepare to conduct public consultations on the proposed Anti-Counterfeit Goods Bill, 2023. Spearheaded by Bugiri Municipality MP Asuman Basalirwa, the bill aims to tackle the pervasive issue of counterfeit goods in Uganda, with the backing of city lawyer Fred Muwema and the Anti-Counterfeit Network (ACN).
Basalirwa, who is the mover of the Private Member’s Bill, stresses the importance of these consultations in ensuring that the legislation is inclusive and effective in combatting counterfeiting. He emphasizes the need to gather input from various stakeholders across the country to address the gaps in existing legislation and formulate punitive measures against counterfeiters.
The proposed bill comes at a time when Uganda faces significant economic challenges exacerbated by the proliferation of counterfeit products, which threaten legitimate businesses and contribute to youth unemployment. Basalirwa highlights the absence of comprehensive legislation specifically targeting counterfeits, noting that current laws only contain fragmented provisions insufficient to address the scale of the problem.
Joining Basalirwa in advocating for the bill is Soroti West Division MP Jonathan Ebwalu, who emphasizes its nonpartisan nature and its potential to unite Ugandans in addressing a common threat to the economy and public health. Ebwalu underscores the need for stringent measures to protect consumers from the risks posed by counterfeit goods, which lack quality standards and specifications.
Backing their efforts is city lawyer Fred Muwema, an outspoken advocate against counterfeiting and the Chairman of the ACN in Uganda. Muwema applauds the initiative to enact the bill, citing staggering economic losses due to counterfeit goods estimated at up to UGX 10 trillion annually. He underscores the urgent need for comprehensive legislation to curb the growing menace of counterfeits, which affects every sector of the economy.
The proposed bill, which received leave from Parliament in July 2023, seeks to impose severe penalties on counterfeit manufacturers, including hefty fines and imprisonment. Basalirwa’s motion proposes fines up to twenty times the market value of genuine goods or imprisonment for up to seven years, signaling a firm stance against counterfeiters.
As MPs prepare to embark on the public consultation phase, they aim to gather feedback from diverse stakeholders across the country to inform the final version of the bill. With the support of the public and key stakeholders, Basalirwa and his allies are determined to enact legislation that will safeguard Uganda’s economy and protect consumers from the perils of counterfeit goods.
