Uganda’s business environment is quietly evolving through enhanced efficiency, transparency, and technology. In recent years, reforms led by key Justice, Law and Order Sub-programme (JLOS) agencies – notably the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), and the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC)—have reshaped how citizens and investors engage with the government. These updates include quicker business registration, simplified work permit processes, and modern identification systems, making Uganda one of the most attractive investment destinations in the region.
📊 Key Commercial Justice Reforms
- Business registration time was reduced from 30 days to 24 hours.
- Online registration for intellectual property and marriage services.
- National ID registration integrated with birth and death records.
- e-Permits and e-Visas were introduced by DCIC for foreign workers.
- Uganda Business Facilitation Centre established as a one-stop shop for investors.
From Weeks to Hours: Doing Business the Digital Way
At the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), change is apparent through the Uganda Business Facilitation Centre (UBFC), a one-stop shop where entrepreneurs can register a company within 24 hours. Before, business registration could take up to 30 days. Now, automation and online systems have transformed the process. URSB has also digitalised intellectual property (IP) and marriage registration services. “I registered my construction company online in one day,” says Catherine Kisitu, a young entrepreneur from Wakiso.
NIRA: Giving Identity to Every Citizen
At the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), digital technology and outreach have made it easier to register births and deaths and obtain national IDs. The national ID system enables access to public and private services such as banking, SIM registration, and passport processing. “I registered my newborn’s birth from a hospital kiosk,” says Kedrace Anyakun from Moroto. “It used to take months; now it takes days.”
DCIC: Making Mobility and Work Seamless
For investors and expatriates, the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC) has introduced an online e-visa and e-permit system. Applicants can now apply, pay, and receive approvals electronically. Bushra Ahmed, a regional consultant working in Kampala, says: “I applied for a work permit online from Nairobi and got approval in three days.” Electronic passports and biometric systems have also boosted Uganda’s international reputation.
One-Stop Investment Facilitation
The Uganda Business Facilitation Centre (UBFC) consolidates services from URSB, NIRA, DCIC, URA, and UIA. Investors can now register businesses, acquire tax numbers, and process work permits all in one location. “No more running from office to office,” says Shamim, an SME owner. “Everything is here — fast and transparent.”
Digitalisation and the Fight Against Corruption
By digitising payments and workflows, these institutions have reduced opportunities for corruption. Automated systems now generate reference numbers and application statuses that clients can track online. Arthur Kwesiga, the Director of ICT at URSB, comments: “When you remove middlemen, you remove corruption. Technology brings integrity.”
Partnerships Powering Change
These milestones have been reached through partnerships with the World Bank, the EU, UNDP, and Austria Development Cooperation (ADC). They have funded training, public awareness campaigns, and infrastructure — including the UBFC. A JLOS Secretariat official states, “This is proof that collaboration works. These reforms make business easy and fair.”
A Business Environment on the Rise
Uganda’s improved digital infrastructure has boosted confidence in the private sector. Entrepreneurs can set up businesses within hours, investors receive permits in days, and identity verification happens instantly. The World Bank’s Doing Business Index credits Uganda’s justice reforms for creating a more favourable investment environment.
Justice at the Heart of Growth
Through modernisation and innovation, URSB, NIRA, and DCIC have shown that justice also involves opportunity, fairness, and trust. “Before, business was about patience. Now, it’s about potential,” says a Mbale-based entrepreneur. Uganda’s commercial justice reforms are encouraging an inclusive growth future and boosting investor confidence.
🤝 Partner Contributions
- World Bank: Supported the establishment of the Uganda Business Facilitation Centre.
- European Union (EU): Funded justice sector digitalisation.
- UNDP: Supported capacity building and governance systems.
Austria Development Cooperation - (ADC): Funded ICT systems and training.
This article was researched, developed and published with support from the Austria Development Cooperation (ADC) and Embassy in Uganda in partnership with the Justice, Law and Order Sub-programme (JLOS), Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.
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