The Bugiri Municipality Member of Parliament (MP), Asuman Basalirwa has been granted leave from Parliamentarian sitting to introduce a Private Members Bill entitled ‘The Anti-Counterfeit Bill.’

According to the mover of the Bill, its objective is to among other things; prohibit the manufacture and trade of counterfeit goods and infringe upon protected intellectual rights.

The bill also seeks to prohibit the release of counterfeit goods into the channels of commerce.

Basalirwa added that the continued proliferation of counterfeit and pirated goods and services that distribute infringing materials undermines legitimate trade and sustainable national development.

“The objective of the bill is to prohibit the manufacture and trade in counterfeit goods that infringe upon protected intellectual property rights; to create offences relating to trade in counterfeit goods; and for related matter,” the statement read.

According to Basalirwa, in order to enhance the protection of owners’ of intellectual property assets against infringement and subsequently the release of counterfeit goods into the channels of commerce.

He said that there is need to have harmonized, coordinated, and simplified enforcement regime, introduce punitive, dependent on effective measures for combating the production and marketing of counterfeit goods.

The bill was seconded by Jonathan Ebwalu, MP Soroti West Division and Derrick Orone, MP Gogonya.