Uganda’s Business Reforms Cut Red Tape, Says Amb Butagira
Speaking at the Business and Innovation Forum for commercial attachés in Uganda, Ambassador Butagira described the country as “the best place for ease of doing business,” citing major reforms that have reduced bureaucracy and improved efficiency.
Uganda has dramatically streamlined its business registration processes, making it easier and faster for entrepreneurs to formalise their enterprises, according to the Uganda Registration Services Board (URSB) Chairman, Rt. Hon. Ambassador Francis Butagira.
Speaking at the Business and Innovation Forum for commercial attachés in Uganda, Ambassador Butagira described the country as “the best place for ease of doing business,” citing major reforms that have reduced bureaucracy and improved efficiency.
The event, hosted by URSB in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, brought together foreign diplomats, ministers, URSB board members, and government representatives.
The Ambassador credited Justice Minister Norbert Mao for championing the forum, which showcased Uganda’s investment advantages.
He highlighted how Uganda’s adoption of digital services has significantly cut registration times, with company registration now taking as little as three hours compared to several days previously, while business name registration can be completed in under an hour.
A key reform, he said, is the introduction of a one-stop centre, allowing entrepreneurs to access multiple services from a single location.
“From one space, you can access KCCA, URA, obtain your licences, and even banking services,” Butagira explained, adding that this approach has eliminated the need for business owners to visit multiple government offices.
Uganda has also modernised its insolvency regime, shifting from a punitive system to one that prioritises business recovery.
“We can help put companies back on their feet instead of sending them to a mortuary,” Butagira remarked, stressing that the goal is to rescue struggling firms rather than shut them down.
The reforms have had tangible financial benefits, with URSB’s revenue collection soaring from Shs300 million in 2011 to over Shs80 billion today.
Amb Butagira described this as “a sign of our efficiency” and a reflection of the positive impact of Uganda’s business reforms.
