To legally operate in Uganda, every company, partnership, or sole proprietorship must complete registration with the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB). The process is straightforward when you prepare the right documents and follow the steps carefully. Registering with URSB not only makes your business compliant with the law but also improves credibility and access to opportunities such as bank loans, contracts, and tenders.
Step 1: Conduct a Name Search
The first step is to reserve a business name. Visit the URSB online portal at ursb.go.ug and submit your preferred name for search. The system checks for availability, and once approved, you will receive confirmation. The name reservation is valid for 30 days, giving you time to complete registration.
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
The documents you need depend on the type of business you are registering. For a sole proprietorship, you mainly need a national ID and a completed form. For a company, you will require:
- Memorandum and Articles of Association
- A filled company registration form (Company Form 20 and Form A1)
- National IDs or passports of directors and shareholders
- Passport-size photos of directors
- Registered office details
Ensure that all documents are correctly filled and signed to avoid rejection.
Step 3: Submit Application
Log in to the URSB e-Services portal and upload the required documents. You will also need to pay the prescribed fees through the system, either via bank or mobile money options. URSB provides a payment reference that must be used when making payment.
Step 4: Verification and Review
URSB reviews the documents to ensure accuracy. If errors are found, you may be asked to correct and resubmit. However, when everything is in order, the application proceeds to approval.
Step 5: Issuance of Certificate
Once approved, URSB issues a Certificate of Registration for sole proprietorships or a Certificate of Incorporation for companies. You will also receive a Tax Identification Number (TIN) from the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) to enable tax compliance.
Step 6: Post-Registration Obligations
After registration, you must comply with statutory obligations such as filing annual returns, updating company records, and renewing licenses from local authorities. In addition, some sectors may require additional permits before operations can begin.
Benefits of Registering with URSB
Registering your business offers many advantages:
- Legal recognition and protection of your business name
- Improved credibility with customers and investors
- Access to credit facilities and business contracts
- Easier compliance with tax obligations
- Eligibility for government and private tenders
To register business URSB, you need to reserve a name, prepare documents, submit an online application, and pay the required fees. Once URSB approves your application, you will receive your certificate, making your business legally recognized. Proper registration is not just a legal requirement but also a key step in building a credible and sustainable business in Uganda.
