URSB seeks sh15b to expand operations

The Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) is seeking sh15.738b for expansion to provide nationwide services.

Appearing before Parliament's committee on legal affairs, the URSB team led by the Deputy Registrar General-Registries, Jane Okot P'Bitek Langoya, noted that if they are added money, they will be able to perform better.

"We believe if we are granted more funding to cover our automation strategy, recruit additional staff since our staff structure is only 58% filled, we will be able to perform better than we already are. The implementation of the URSB All-Digital-All-Online strategy to have all services e-based requires sh3b. We ask that you look into this." Langoya said.

The URSB team also noted that if funded, they will be able to have all services e-based, establish more one-stop shops across the country, employ more staff to cope with progress in technology and also start electronic marriage registration to improve formalisation of marriages, and establishment of the geographical indications registry.

According to statistics, URSB has grown its budget from sh2.3b in FY 2010/11 to sh25bn in 2019/20 and its non-tax revenue (NTR) has grown tremendously from sh5.8b in 2010/11 to sh56.3b in FY 2018/19.

During the meeting, Bugweri County MP Abdu Katuntu revealed to the committee members that Uganda had one of the best Companies Act globally.

The chairman of the committee, Jackson Oboth Oboth, pledged support to the bureau.

"Point out the priority areas you believe are crucial for your performance and let us know. We will invite the Ministry of Finance together with URSB and agree on how we can get them funded," Oboth said.

During the meeting, the team presented their report that highlighted key performance areas, challenges, as well as the institution's priorities for the next five years.

"We believe with your support as Parliament, together with the Ministry of Finance, we will be to have our funding gaps plugged, giving us even better platforms to grow our non-tax revenue collections in addition to increasing our service coverage across the country," Langoya said.