The Provincial Secretary of the Church of Uganda, Rev. Canon William Ongeng, has issued a stern warning regarding the unauthorized use of the Church's registered trademarks for bishops' vestments.
The warning comes in the wake of a dispute involving Ugandan medics and musicians over the appearance of musician Gereson Wabuyi, also known as Gravity Omutujju, wearing medical attire in his recent music video "Doozi."
The musician received support from fellow artists and some members of the public, arguing that artists frequently depict various professionals in their videos for entertainment purposes, with bishop vestments being no exception.
Accompanied by prominent church leaders and officials, Rev. Ongeng emphasized the Church's commitment to upholding its intellectual property rights.
"The Church of Uganda wishes to inform the general public that it has registered trademarks for 42 bishops’ vestments with the Uganda Registration Services Bureau," the church stated in a statement seen by this reporter.
Rev. Ongeng clarified that the Church of Uganda has officially registered trademarks for 42 bishops' vestments with the Uganda Registrations Services Bureau (URSB).
He explained that these vestments are now protected under Ugandan intellectual property laws, and only bishops of the Church of Uganda are authorized to wear them.
"Any unauthorized use will be treated as trademark infringement, and offenders will face prosecution," he warned.
"The Church of Uganda is dedicated to safeguarding its trademarks and will take all necessary measures to enforce its rights," the statement concluded. The Church encourages individuals or entities with inquiries to contact the office of the Provincial Secretary for further information.
According to the church, "individuals or entities found wearing or utilizing these vestments will be prosecuted by the Church of Uganda for trademark infringement."