Uganda is charting a bold new course to become the region’s most attractive destination for doing business, following the launch of the Uganda Registration Services Bureau’s (URSB) five-year Strategic Plan IV (2025/26–2029/30).
The plan, which has been formally approved by the National Planning Authority, outlines an ambitious blueprint aimed at transforming the business landscape by enhancing efficiency, expanding access to registration services, and embracing innovation.
At its core, the strategy seeks to position Uganda as a hub for investment, entrepreneurship, and private sector growth, both regionally and globally.
Launched under the national theme “Positioning Uganda as the Best Destination for Doing Business,” the new strategy aligns with Vision 2040, the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV), the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and the East African Community Vision 2050.
URSB Registrar General, Mercy K. Kainobwisho, described the plan as a continuation of momentum built over the past five years, one that blends continuity with renewal.
“This Strategic Plan represents both renewal and continuity. Over the last five years, registrations grew by an average of 21% annually. We’ve made important progress, including Uganda’s first Geographical Indication for Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon Coffee, and enhanced access to affordable credit through the movable property registry,” she said.
URSB’s outgoing Strategic Plan III recorded substantial achievements. These included a 55% increase in non-tax revenue collections, the digitization of key services via the Online Business Registration System (OBRS), and reforms to Uganda’s commercial legal framework.
The Bureau also issued Uganda’s first Geographical Indication certificate, a milestone in promoting intellectual property as a tool for economic development.
The new plan builds on these foundations and outlines a UGX 552.78 billion resource framework, with a focus on institutional resilience, service excellence, and expanding digital infrastructure.
Speaking at the launch, Moses Kaggwa, Ag. Director of Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), emphasised the plan’s strategic importance.
“This strategy is fully aligned with NDP IV and Vision 2040. Its focus on expanding access, legal reform, and innovation directly supports our national goals of industrialisation, private sector-led growth, and job creation,” Kaggwa noted, adding that disciplined execution and resource mobilisation will be key to success.
Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Robert Kasande, highlighted URSB’s strong reform track record.
“Over the last five years, 90% of targeted legal reforms were completed, including updates to the Companies Act and Insolvency Act. These reforms enhance transparency, protect investors, and boost Uganda’s credibility as a business destination,” he said.
URSB Board Chairperson, Amb. Francis Butagira, reaffirmed the Bureau’s vision of creating an investor-friendly environment.
“Our goal is clear, make Uganda the destination of choice for doing business. This new strategic plan is about formalising opportunity and accelerating transformation,” Butagira stated.
The unveiling of Strategic Plan IV comes at a time when regional economies are competing aggressively for investment, and digital innovation is reshaping how public services are delivered.
URSB’s emphasis on automation, legal reform, and customer-centric service delivery signals Uganda’s readiness to compete on the global stage.
With this strategy, URSB is not only modernising how businesses start and grow in Uganda, it is also sending a strong message to international investors: Uganda is open for business.
