The Uganda Registration Service Bureau (URSB) is the official government agency responsible for registering businesses and intellectual property in Uganda. It was established in 1998 under the Uganda Registration Services Bureau Act and operates under the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. The URSB has made significant progress in streamlining the registration process, reducing the time it takes to register a trade or trademark to just a few days.

In addition to business registration, the URSB is also responsible for the registration of trademarks, patents, and copyrights. This ensures that intellectual property rights are protected and encourages innovation and creativity. 

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Main goal

The main goal of URSB is to promote economic growth by providing a conducive environment for businesses to operate. By registering companies, URSB ensures that they are legally recognized and can access government services such as loans and grants. Additionally, URSB provides a platform for businesses to protect their intellectual property rights, which is crucial for innovation.

URSB also plays a crucial role in civil registration by registering marriages, births, and deaths. This is important for planning and development purposes, as it helps the government to allocate resources effectively. Furthermore, URSB provides a platform for citizens to access legal documents such as land titles and certificates of incorporation. This promotes transparency and accountability in the government.

Steps business registration 

Business setup with the bureau involves seven main steps. The first step is name reservation, where the corporate owner applies for a unique name for their business. This is followed by the submission of the application forms, which include details such as the corporate name, physical address, and nature of the business.

The third stage is the payment of the process fees, which vary depending on the type of business. After payment, the application is reviewed by the bureau to ensure compliance with the relevant laws and regulations. If approved, the business owner is issued a certificate of recording.

The next action is signing up for taxes, including VAT and income tax. The sixth phase involves obtaining the necessary licenses and permits, such as trading licenses and environmental permits. Finally, the business owner is required to register with the National Social Security Fund for employee benefits. By following these seven steps, business owners can successfully register their businesses with the bureau.

Other services

Other than business enrollment, the agency provided the following main services. 

Trademark registration

The division allows individuals and businesses to register their trademarks, protecting their intellectual property rights.

Marriage registration

The department provides a simple and efficient process for registering marriages in the country.

Land registration

The unit offers a comprehensive land recording service, ensuring that land ownership is properly documented and protected.

Birth and death recordkeeping

The bureau ensures that births and deaths are properly registered, providing individuals and families with important legal documents.

Passport application

It offers a convenient and efficient passport application process, allowing locals to travel abroad.

Driving permit application

The division provides a straightforward process for obtaining a driving permit, ensuring that drivers are properly licensed and trained.

Company search

The unit permits individuals and businesses to search for information about registered companies in the nation.

Business name reservation

The bureau enables the reservation for business names, allowing entrepreneurs to secure their desired name before registering their business.

Insolvency registration

The unit provides a service for registering insolvency, ensuring that creditors and debtors are properly documented and protected.

Key alliances

The URSB has formed key alliances that have greatly contributed to its success. These alliances include partnerships with the Uganda Revenue Authority, the National Social Security Fund, and the Investment Authority. 

Uganda revenue authority 

The partnership with the Uganda Revenue Authority has enabled URSB to provide integrated services that allow clients to register their businesses, obtain tax identification numbers, and file tax returns all in one place. This has greatly simplified the process for corporate owners and has contributed to increased compliance with tax laws. 

National social security fund

The cooperation with the National Social Security Fund has enabled URSB to provide social security registration services to its clients. This has helped to ensure that employees are registered for social security and can access benefits such as pensions and medical care. 

Uganda investment authority 

Lastly, the partnership with the Uganda Investment Authority has enabled URSB to provide investment registering services to clients who wish to invest in Uganda. This has contributed to increased foreign investment in the country and has helped to create jobs and boost economic growth.