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Report on the Workshop: Copyright, AI, and Sustainable Development with a Focus on Ugandan Women in Batik

Introduction

 

This report summarizes the outcomes of the workshop titled “Empowering Women and Girls through Batik”, held on 28–29 September 2025. The workshop explored the intersection of batik-making, copyright, artificial intelligence (AI), and sustainable development, with a special focus on empowering Ugandan women entrepreneurs.

 

The program provided participants with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in batik production, intellectual property (IP) protection, and leveraging digital tools for business growth.

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Opening Session

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The workshop began with welcome remarks by Ms. Hazel Kasozi of the Handy Women Skills Centre, followed by opening remarks from:

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  • Ms Sarah Kyejjusa, Deputy Director of Makerere University Business School

  • Counsel Rita Namakiika Nangono, Vice President and Head of ILaED.org Uganda, and Partner at N&N Advocates

  • Dr. Susan Isiko Štrba, President of ILaED.org

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Their remarks emphasized the importance of empowering women and girls in the creative economy, safeguarding traditional cultural expressions, and integrating modern technology into batik production and use for sustainable development.​

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Key Presentations

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1. Intellectual Property and Branding

 

Speaker: Mr. Michael Wabugo, Uganda Registration Services Bureau
 

Mr. Wabugo trained participants on the use of intellectual property in creating unique brand identities, packaging designs, and finishing techniques for batik products.


Objective: Equip participants with the skills to protect and differentiate their products in the market through IP tools such as trademarks, industrial designs, and copyright.

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2. Leveraging AI for Market Expansion

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Speaker: Dr. Anthony Kakooza, Byenkya, Kihiika & Company Advocates; Member of ILaED.org


Dr. Kakooza discussed opportunities for global market exploration and demonstrated how AI can be applied to marketing, sales, and digital platforms for batik products.


Objective: Enable participants to identify and access global market opportunities while using AI-driven tools to enhance visibility and sales.

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3. Sustainable Practices in Batik Production

 

Speaker: Ms. Charlotte Mucunguzi Kazoora, TIFA Ltd


Ms. Kazoora highlighted sustainable practices and environmental conservation techniques, focusing on the safe use and disposal of dyes.

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Objective: Promote eco-friendly production methods and encourage responsible waste management to align batik production with sustainable development goals (SDGs).

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Practical Training

 

The presentations were followed by hands-on training in batik entrepreneurship and advanced techniques, led by Mr. Kasani Natiph Wanyama of Wanyama Crafts.


Objective: Strengthen participants’ technical and entrepreneurial capacity to produce high-quality batik products and grow their businesses.

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Key Outcomes

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  • Participants learned how to use intellectual property to protect and brand their batik products.

  • Women entrepreneurs were introduced to AI-powered marketing tools for expanding market reach.

  • Sustainable production practices were shared to ensure environmental conservation in the batik industry.

  • Practical batik-making sessions resulted in participants producing beautiful batik pieces — a first step towards establishing or expanding their businesses.

  • As requested by the participants, follow up is currently underway.

 

Conclusion

 

The workshop successfully combined theoretical learning with practical application, empowering women to innovate within the batik industry while embracing technology and sustainability. The emphasis on copyright protection and AI integration positions participants to compete effectively in both local and global markets while preserving Uganda’s rich cultural heritage.

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