As innovation scales across Africa, Uganda has recently launched a revolutionary business platform to ease the business registration process nationwide.
The New Online Business Registration System (OBRS) was released by the Uganda Registration Bureau (URSB ) in 2022 and has since registered over 36,885 businesses and 83,966 companies.
According to Ntale Mustapher, the Director of Business Registration, the platform has enhanced regulatory oversight and provided the private sector with access to critical business information. This significant improvement in the investment environment instils confidence in the business climate in Uganda, making it more attractive for potential investors.
“Since its launch less than a year ago, the OBRS has swiftly registered over 36,885 businesses and 83,966 companies. The platform’s remarkable efficiency is evident in processing 509,368 documents, with total Non-tax revenue (NTR) collections amounting to UGX 90,033,341,251. This rapid transformation of the business registration landscape in Uganda is a testament to the system’s effectiveness and potential to revolutionise how we do business.” he said.
Moreover, the OBRS has streamlined the business registration process and generated numerous employment opportunities. With a dedicated team of over 20 developers, 30 data clean-up clerks, and 92 officers ready to respond to client requests, the system is actively contributing to the economic growth of Uganda, fostering a sense of optimism for a brighter future.
With the new OBRS systems, all the clients of the Uganda Registration Service Bureau can now create accounts through the client portal, make applications, and receive real-time feedback on their applications. For instance, a business owner can now register their business name, apply for a business license, and receive the permit within a few days, a process that used to take weeks not to mention, even months.
Just as the Kenyan Government pioneered the E-citizen portal in 2014; a digital transformation portal which ensures the effective and convenient delivery of services to Kenyans, from accessing various services such as application of good conduct, obtaining a driver’s license birth certificate registration to conducting an online business name search, Registering your business name, Obtaining a single business permit, and procuring a fire certificate for your business premise.
Uganda is now making its mark with the OBRS system.
This OBRS portal emphasises Uganda’s commitment to technological advancements and its potential to become a leading innovator in East Africa.Â
The official launch of Uganda’s OBRS system’s digital transformations is part of a new wave of digital transformation sweeping across East Africa.
This wave is transforming Africa into an innovative ecosystem, with countries like Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania also have in the past implemented similar digital platforms to enhance their business environments and attract more investments changing the digital business narrative across continent.
