Starting a business in Uganda can be incredibly rewarding—but navigating the registration process can feel like a maze. From reserving your company name to securing the right licenses, each step has its own requirements, fees, and timelines. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about how to register a business in Uganda so you can focus on what matters most: building and growing your venture.
Why Proper Registration Matters
Registering your business correctly from the outset:
- Protects Your Liability: Incorporation shields personal assets from business debts.
- Enhances Credibility: Customers, suppliers and lenders prefer dealing with a legally recognized entity.
- Ensures Compliance: Avoid fines and legal issues by meeting statutory requirements.
- Unlocks Opportunities: Registered firms can bid for government contracts, access finance, and open corporate bank accounts.
Legal Structures & Which One to Choose
Uganda offers several options:
| Structure | Liability | Best For |
| Sole Proprietorship | Unlimited | Micro-traders, small retail stalls |
| Partnership | Joint & several | Family businesses, small consultancies |
| Private Limited Company | Limited | SMEs, startups, foreign investors |
| Cooperative Society | Shared | Farmer collectives, savings groups |
| NGO/NPO | Non-profit | Charities, social enterprises |
If you anticipate rapid growth or plan to bring in external investors, a Private Limited Company is usually the best choice for limited liability and scalability.
How to Register a Business in Uganda
Step 1: Name Reservation
Secure your desired business name before anything else.
Where to Apply: URSB Online Portal (ursb.go.ug) or any URSB service centre.
Fee: UGX 30,000.
Processing Time: 1–2 business days.
Tips:
Prepare 2–3 alternative names.
Avoid generic words (e.g., “Uganda Ltd”) to ensure uniqueness.
Check trademark databases if you plan to build a brand.
Step 2: Company Incorporation
Formally register your company with URSB.
Documents Required
- Reserved Name Approval Certificate
- Memorandum & Articles of Association
- Form 20: Statement of Particulars of the Company
- Proof of Registered Office Address (lease agreement or utility bill)
- Copies of national IDs or passports of directors and shareholders
Process
- Submission: Upload or hand in documents at URSB.
- Fee Payment: UGX 300,000–500,000, depending on share capital.
- Certificate Issuance: Receive Certificate of Incorporation in 5–7 business days.
Step 3: Tax Registration (TIN & VAT)
Registering for tax compliance is mandatory.
- TIN Registration:
- Authority: Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).
- Form: TIN 1A.
- Fee: None.
- Turnaround: Same day, often online.
- VAT Registration:
- Threshold: Mandatory if annual turnover > UGX 150 million.
- Form: VAT 1.
- Benefit: Reclaim input VAT on business purchases.
Step 4: Local Licenses & Permits
Depending on your industry and location, you may need:
- Trading License: Municipal or Town Council
- Health & Sanitation Permit: For food, hospitality, and healthcare services
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): Manufacturing, mining, or large-scale construction
- NSSF Registration: National Social Security Fund enrolment if hiring staff
Tip: Always verify requirements with your local council before budget planning.
Step 5: Opening a Corporate Bank Account
Choose a Bank: Compare fees, digital banking features, and branch accessibility. Popular banks include Stanbic, Centenary, and Equity Bank.
Documents Needed:
Certificate of Incorporation
Memorandum & Articles of Association
URA TIN Certificate
Board resolution authorizing signatories
Copies of IDs for account signatories
Deposit Minimum Balance: Varies by bank (often UGX 100,000–500,000).
Costs, Timelines & Tips
| Step | Cost (Approx.) | Timeline |
| Name Reservation | UGX 30,000 | 1–2 days |
| Incorporation | UGX 300k–500k | 5–7 days |
| TIN Registration | Free | Same day |
| Trading License | UGX 50k–150k | 3–5 days |
| Environmental Permits (if any) | UGX 500k–2M | 2–4 weeks |
- Plan Ahead: Cluster submissions (e.g., file URSB and URA in the same week) to minimize waiting.
- Use an Agent: Registered consultants can speed up the process and ensure accuracy.
- Keep Originals: Always have hard copies of your incorporation documents on site.
Post-Registration Compliance
Once registered, maintain good standing by:
- Filing Annual Returns: Submit to URSB by the end of your incorporation anniversary month.
- Regular Tax Filings: Monthly PAYE; quarterly VAT (if applicable); annual income tax returns.
- Record-Keeping: Minutes book, share register, accounting books, and retention of financial statements.
FAQs & Expert Advice
Q: Can I register fully online?
A: Yes—name reservation and TIN registration are entirely online. Incorporation documents can also be filed digitally, though some councils prefer originals for local licenses.
Q: What if my name reservation is rejected?
A: You’ll be given reasons—usually similarity or non-compliance with naming rules. Revise and resubmit within 30 days without extra fee.
Expert Tip: Register for e-subscriptions on URSB and URA portals to receive reminders on filings and renewals.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Registering a business in Uganda is straightforward when you follow each step methodically. With proper planning, the right legal structure, and timely compliance, you’ll be set to operate legally, access financing, and build credibility.
➔ Check out our guide on daily income businesses in Uganda
➔ Read our in-depth guide on “How to start a business in Uganda“
➔ Start your name reservation now at the URSB Portal