KAMPALA – Uganda’s streamlined business registration processes have enhanced formalisation and easy setup of entities, according to Rt. Hon. Ambassador Francis Butagira, Chairman of the Uganda Registration Services Board (URSB) Board of Directors.
“Uganda is the best place for ease of doing business,” Ambassador Butagira said while addressing the Business and Innovation Forum for commercial attachés in Uganda.
The event, hosted by the Uganda Registration Services Bureau in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, brought together foreign diplomats, ministers, URSB board members, and government representatives.
Ambassador Butagira credited Justice Minister Hon. Norbert Mao for championing the event, which showcased Uganda’s investment advantages. He highlighted the implementation of systems enabling seamless registration, with almost all services available online.
Processing times have dramatically improved, with company registration now taking just three hours, compared to days in the past. Business name registration can be completed within an hour.
A key innovation is Uganda’s one-stop centre concept, eliminating the need for entrepreneurs to visit multiple offices. “From one space, you can access KCCA, URA, obtain your licenses, and even banking services,” Ambassador Butagira explained.
He also emphasized Uganda’s progressive insolvency regime, focusing on rescuing struggling companies rather than closing them. “We can help put companies back on their feet instead of sending them to a mortuary.”
The reforms have yielded measurable results, with URSB increasing revenue collection from UGX 300 million in 2011 to over UGX 80 billion presently. Ambassador Butagira described this as “a sign of our efficiency.”
