Makerere Don Dr Anthony Kakooza Named WTR Global Leader 2025

Dr Anthony C.K. Kakooza, a distinguished academic and Head of the Department of Commercial Law at Makerere University School of Law, has been named a WTR Global Leader for 2025 by the World Trademark Review (WTR).

This prestigious recognition places Dr. Kakooza among the top global experts in corporate trademark law, highlighting his decades-long contribution to the advancement of intellectual property (IP) rights in Uganda and beyond. Only 14% of the professionals ranked in the WTR 1000 are selected for the WTR Global Leaders list, making this a notable milestone in Dr Kakooza’s career.

In a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, the law school congratulated Dr Kakooza for the well-deserved honour, reaffirming his status as a trailblazer in legal education and practice in the region.

Dr. Kakooza is no stranger to international acclaim. In 2020, the WTR 1000 referred to him as the “Godfather of Intellectual Property Law in Uganda”—a title that has since stuck within Uganda’s legal and academic circles. His work continues to influence IP legislation, legal education, and commercial innovation, serving as a vital link between academia, industry, and policy.

“I am deeply honoured to be recognised once again as a World Trademark Review (WTR) Global Leader for 2025. This prestigious acknowledgement is a testament to the dedication, passion, and collaborative efforts of my students, law firm partners and associates in advancing the field of intellectual property (IP) law, particularly in Uganda and across the African continent. I am immensely grateful to my friends, colleagues and family for the continued support and collaboration,” Dr Kakooza said on his X platform.

He added: “This recognition inspires me to further contribute to the global IP community, particularly in addressing emerging challenges such as digital IP, trans-border IP issues, and the protection of rights in an increasingly interconnected world. Thank you so much, WTR, for this honour, and to everyone who has supported me in this journey. I look forward to continuing to champion excellence in trademark law and intellectual property practice, both locally and internationally.”

The WTR Global Leaders platform recognises individuals who have not only made significant legal contributions but have also demonstrated leadership in shaping strategy, driving innovation, and mentoring the next generation of IP professionals.

Dr. Kakooza’s recognition reinforces Uganda’s growing visibility in global legal practice, particularly in the evolving field of intellectual property, which plays a critical role in fostering entrepreneurship, creative industries, and innovation ecosystems.