Ugee

Microsoft to go hard on Ugandan software pirates.

Software giant Microsoft, is hiring a firm of Solicitors to go after software pirates in the country. Kampala Associated Advocates have been appointed to prosecute anyone caught downloading or using illegal software in Uganda. Dr. Charles Kallu Kalumiya, one of the firm s senior partners, said over the weekend that Microsoft sought their services to enforce intellectual proprietary rights in the country.

Flanked by retired principal judge Herbert Ntabgoba, Kalumiya explained that software piracy includes end-user piracy, which refers to illegal copying or processing of software.

He cited Internet piracy, the downloading of unauthorised software; counterfeiting, the unauthorised manufacture and distribution of software and manufacturer piracy, the unauthorised pre-installation of software by manufacturers into computers, as the practices the firm would fight.

Kulamiya said their lawyers would work with the registrar General of companies, the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Police, the information and communications technology ministry to form a legal framework of intellectual property.

Asked about the implication of Microsoft's appointment, a back street computer shop vendor on Kampala Road said what Microsoft is doing is like cracking a nut with a hammer. Most Ugandans have 64k broadband or dial up internet.which is too slow for any meaningful downloads. Besides, Uganda has the most expensive internet in the world. Until the faster fibre optic broadband arrives in the country probably in the next few years, Ugandans use the internet mainly for emails.Piracy is very minimal and Microsoft would best use that money to help the country develop a descent internet system.