By Hellenah Niwasiima
Uganda, with its youthful population and burgeoning entrepreneurial spirit, stands as a beacon of potential in East Africa. However, to harness this potential fully, the country needed a robust system to streamline business registration, protect intellectual property, and support formal sector growth.
Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) is the cornerstone institution driving formalisation, transparency, and economic empowerment across the nation.
URSB was established in 1998 by Chapter 210 laws of Uganda under the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. Its mission is to provide timely, accurate, and reliable information to engage with clients, businesses, and other stakeholders to better understand their needs and concerns.
According to Mercy Kainobwisho, the Registrar General, URSB patterns with various organisations like KCCA, Bank of Uganda and Uganda Investment Authority, to provide services like Business registration, fees, intellectual property and civil registration to create a better investment climate through facilitating private sector growth across the nation.
Kainobwisho says that URSB recognises the importance of transparency and accountability and is dedicated to using its platforms like the website to foster trust and build connectivity with its clients at a time when technology is rapidly advancing and changing the way people interact as they seek services, by playing a crucial role in ensuring they meet the evolving needs of its clients.
“We are committed to delivering a user-friendly and accessible website that provides a seamless experience for all who visit relationships with the communities we serve,” she says.
One of URSB’s key achievements has been the dramatic simplification of the business registration process. Previously, aspiring entrepreneurs faced lengthy, bureaucratic hurdles to formalize their businesses. The URSB introduced a user-friendly, online registration platform that significantly reduced registration time and costs. This digital transformation has led to a surge in business registrations, empowering countless small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to enter the formal economy and access growth opportunities.
URSB’s mandate extends beyond business registration to the protection of intellectual property rights.
Recognising the importance of innovation and creativity in driving economic progress, the bureau has established comprehensive systems for registering trademarks, patents and copyrights. This not only safeguards the interests of innovators but also attracts foreign investment by ensuring that intellectual property is protected under Ugandan law.
The impact of URSB’s work is evident across Uganda’s socio-economic landscape. By formalising businesses, the bureau has enhanced tax collection, providing the government with the resources needed to invest in public services and infrastructure. Additionally, the formalisation process has enabled businesses to access credit and expand their operations, contributing to job creation and poverty reduction
The journey has not been without challenges. URSB has had to navigate issues such as limited public awareness, resistance to change, and the need for continuous technological upgrades. The bureau has implemented extensive public education campaigns to address these challenges and embraced innovative technologies. For example, URSB’s mobile registration units have brought services closer to rural communities, ensuring that even the most remote entrepreneurs can formalise their businesses.
The Uganda Registration Service Bureau is committed to enhancing further its services through digital transformation, capacity building, and international cooperation. By fostering a culture of formalisation and protecting intellectual property, URSB aims to position Uganda as a regional hub for business and innovation.
