Minister Oryem Applauds Uganda’s Digital Business Registration System at Innovation Forum
Reflecting on his time as a former lawyer in the UK, Oryem shared his surprise at how seamlessly he was able to register a company in Uganda entirely online.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of International Cooperation, Henry Okello Oryem, has expressed admiration for the country's new digital business registration system during the Business and Innovation Forum for commercial attachés at the URSB headquarters in Kololo yesterday.
The forum, which brought together foreign diplomats, ministers, URSB board members, and government officials, focused on showcasing the reforms and innovations at the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), engaging with the diplomatic community, and positioning Uganda as an attractive investment destination.
Reflecting on his time as a former lawyer in the UK, Oryem shared his surprise at how seamlessly he was able to register a company in Uganda entirely online.
"I was impressed that there is at least something that works in Uganda," he remarked, drawing a comparison between Uganda’s new system and the UK’s "off the shelf companies" process.
He noted that the digital transformation had significantly streamlined the previously cumbersome bureaucratic processes, reducing the opportunities for corruption.
Oryem also commended Ambassador Francis Butagira and his team for advancing Uganda into an era of modernity, making it easier to do business.
However, the Minister emphasised the importance of ongoing efforts to improve the business environment further, particularly to attract high-quality investors.
He highlighted some challenges still present in Uganda’s business culture, including the common practice of suspending operations for funerals.
This, he said, can create frustration among international investors who are often working under strict time constraints.
Looking to the future, particularly with the upcoming oil production in Uganda, Oryem raised concerns about the country’s readiness to manage the wealth responsibly.
"We need to be prepared. Instead of the money doing good things for us, we might do all the bad things," he cautioned.
The Minister concluded his remarks by thanking Uganda’s diplomatic corps for their continued efforts in promoting the country as a key investment hub globally.
