THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA
IN THE HIGH COURT OF UGANDA AT KAMPALA
(CIVIL DIVISION)
CIVIL SUIT NO. 197 OF 2008
PROF. GEORGE W. KAKOMA ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::PLAINTIFF
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::DEFENDANT
BEFORE: THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE YOROKAMU BAMWINE
JUDGMENT
The plaintiff‟s suit against the defendant is for recovery of damages, compensation and
royalties for infringement of copyright, for a permanent injunction restraining further
infringement and costs of the suit.
It is not in dispute that the plaintiff composed and wrote a musical composition which he
entered into an open competition for adoption as a national anthem. He was thereafter
declared winner and his composition was adopted as Uganda‟s National Anthem.
The issues for determination are:
1.
Whether the plaintiff has a copyright in the music comprised in the
National Anthem and if so whether there is infringement of the plaintiff’s
copyright by the defendant.
2.
Whether the Government is legally obliged to pay compensation or royalties
to the plaintiff.
3.
Remedies, if any.