URSB commits to strengthening systems for enhanced coordination

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The Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) says it is determined to strengthen systems that enhance transparency, efficiency, and coordination across government and the private sector.

The commitment follows the rollout of URSB’s new mandate of establishing and maintaining a centralised register for all non-individual entities registered, licensed, incorporated, issued with any other authorisation or carrying on business in Uganda.

In 2025, government, through the finance ministry, amended the Tax Procedure Code Act, which provided for the issuance of an Entity Registration Number by URSB after being admitted onto the Non-Individual Register.

While addressing stakeholders from the Acholi region at Bomah Hotel in Gulu City on Thursday, Alex Anganya, the URSB Deputy Registrar General, said the establishment of the Non-Individual Register (NIR) is a significant step forward in streamlining how entities are identified, regulated, and supported in Uganda.

“The NIR establishes a centralised, single register of all non-individual entities operating in the country, whether business or non-business. This includes companies, partnerships, associations, NGOs, cooperatives, and other structured bodies," he said.

He said that for a long time, entities have been registered across multiple agencies, resulting in fragmented data, duplication, and inefficiencies.

The ​NIR creates a unified system that enhances coordination, improves compliance, and simplifies access to services. It also supports government planning and policy implementation.

“Formalisation is at the heart of this initiative. When entities are formally registered and identifiable, they gain access to opportunities, access to finance, government services, contracts, and markets. Formalisation builds credibility, enhances trust, and enables businesses and organisations to grow sustainably,” said Anganya.

Peter Banya, the Deputy Resident City Commissioner (RCC) in charge of the Laroo-Pece Division in Gulu City, expressed government’s determination towards the successful operationalisation of the Non-Individual Register.

He called for collective responsibility among all stakeholders in the actualisation of the register's intended objectives.

“With URSB's continued efforts to improve accessibility and efficiency in registration services, I am confident that this initiative will achieve its intended objectives."

Beatrice Lakot, a member of the civil society, said the issuance of a unique Entity Registration Number (ERN) will go a long way in ensuring that even the organised farmer groups can be identified and tracked for capacity building support.

According to Lakot, it will ease transactions with all government ministries, departments and agencies.

“As the civil society, we have been facing a challenge with farmer groups, especially when it comes to access to financing. The farmer groups are many, but they lack a unique identifier and legal backing. So it has always been hard for financial institutions to transact with them," she said.

The engagement was attended by chief administrative officers, commercial officers, community development officers, members of the civil society, as well as the private sector players from local governments across the Acholi region.