LUCAS MUSISI
The Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), with the support of the Ministry of Information Communication Technology and National Guidance (MoICT&NG), has successfully launched the Online Business Registration System (OBRS), a transformative platform funded by the Government of Uganda. The OBRS, accessible at www.obrs.ursb.go.ug, represents a major advancement in streamlining the process of business registration, insolvency practice, and management services in Uganda.
Dr. Aminah Zawedde, the Permanent Secretary, emphasized the system’s accessibility and efficiency, noting that “entrepreneurs and business owners can now access registration services anytime, anywhere, with just a few clicks.” This development marks a significant shift in the way businesses are registered and managed, making the process more user-friendly and accessible.
Ntale Mustapher, Director of Business Registration, shared impressive figures demonstrating the platform’s effectiveness. Since its inception, the OBRS has registered over 36,885 businesses and 83,966 companies and processed 509,368 documents, accumulating non-tax revenue (NTR) collections totaling UGX 90,033,341,251. These statistics highlight the platform’s significant impact in its initial phase.
“Since OBRS’ go-live less than a year ago, the OBRS has registered over 36,885 businesses and 83,966 companies. Additionally, the platform has processed 509,368 documents, with total non-tax revenue (NTR) collections to a tune of UGX 90,033,341,251, demonstrating its efficiency and effectiveness in transforming the business registration landscape in Uganda,” Ntale said as quoted by the official ministry of ICT and National Guidance website. This not only enhances regulatory oversight but also provides the private sector with access to critical business information, further improving the competitiveness of the investment environment.
Furthermore, the OBRS has created numerous employment opportunities, engaging over 20 developers, 30 data clean-up clerks, and 92 officers to respond to client requests. URSB clients across Uganda can now easily create accounts, submit applications, and receive timely feedback on their applications through the client portal. This approach is designed to evolve URSB into a more modern, efficient, and customer-focused enterprise.
Mercy Kainobwisho, the Registrar General of URSB, expressed her gratitude towards the Ministry of ICT & National Guidance for their pivotal role in developing this efficient system. The OBRS is a key milestone in advancing Uganda’s investment environment and promoting economic growth, underscoring the government’s commitment to fostering a conducive business climate in the country.