Uganda Registration Services Board (URSB) Board of Directors Chairman, Rt. Hon. Ambassador Francis Butagira has praised Uganda’s streamlined business registration processes adding that these initiatives have enhanced formalisation and easy set up of entities by entrepreneurs. Ambassador Butagira said this while addressing the Business and Innovation Forum for commercial attachés in Uganda. “Uganda is the best place for ease of doing business,” he said.
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 attracted foreign diplomats, ministers, URSB board members, and government representatives.
We have implemented systems that enable seamless registration with almost all services available online, he added, crediting Justice Minister Hon. Norbert Mao for championing the event that showcased Uganda’s investment advantages.
The Ambassador highlighted dramatic improvements in processing times, noting that company registration now takes just three hours compared to days in the past, while 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,” he explained.
Butagira also emphasised Uganda’s progressive insolvency regime, which focuses on rescuing struggling companies rather than simply closing them. “We can help put companies back on their feet instead of sending them to a mortuary,” he remarked.
The reforms have shown measurable results with URSB a semi-autonomous entity increasing revenue collection from UGX 300 million in 2011 to over UGX 80 billion presently, which the Ambassador described as “a sign of our efficiency.”
