Non-individual entities across Uganda have been urged to acquire Entity Registration Numbers (ERNs) ahead of a nationwide rollout by the Uganda Registration Services Bureau aimed at integrating organizations into the formal economy and government compliance systems.
According to Arthur Kwesiga, Commissioner for ICT and Innovation at URSB, the Entity Registration Number program will officially commence in the 2026/27 financial year and will become mandatory for entities seeking to transact business with government.
Kwesiga said entities without ERNs will face difficulties accessing government services, obtaining or renewing licenses, and securing lawful authorizations to operate.
“We are starting this program in the coming financial year and entities that will not acquire the registration numbers will face challenges in accessing government services, obtaining or renewing licenses, securing lawful authorizations among others,” he said.
Speaking during a regional stakeholders’ engagement in Mbarara, Kwesiga explained that the initiative is intended to formalize organizations and integrate them into government compliance platforms, similar to how National Identification Numbers are used for individuals.
Entities targeted under the program include churches, companies, partnerships, non-governmental organizations, associations, trusts, cooperatives, government agencies and departments, collective investment schemes, trade unions, and other organized groups.
“In this we are saying no entity shall transact business with government if that entity doesn’t have a registration number with us so the choice is yours. You either acquire it or remain informal in doing business,” Kwesiga added.
He further warned that organizations operating without registration numbers could be deemed illegal and risk penalties, including possible cancellation of registration status.
Some stakeholders, however, raised concerns that the registration exercise could eventually be used to widen the tax net, particularly affecting non-profit organizations and religious institutions.
Edith Kyamazima of Mbarara Full Gospel Church questioned the requirement for churches to register, saying many religious organizations are non-profit entities.
“Some entities like churches are nonprofit making, why should they be required to register? I think government is trying to put us into the tax paying net,” she said.
In response, Kwesiga dismissed the concerns, insisting the exercise is not related to taxation but is instead intended to improve transparency and accountability in organizational operations.
According to URSB, companies and entities already registered will receive their Entity Registration Numbers through their Tax Identification Numbers or registered email addresses.
URSB also clarified that acquiring an Entity Registration Number will be free of charge and that all entities are expected to obtain the number to ease business operations and interactions with government services.