How to start a business in Uganda as a foreigner (2026)
Starting a business in Uganda as a foreigner: moderate.
Uganda permits 100% foreign ownership in most sectors and offers a fully online company registration portal (OBRS) through URSB, with incorporation achievable in 3-5 working days and no minimum share capital for private companies. However, foreign investors are additionally required to obtain a UIA Investment License with a minimum capital threshold of USD 250,000, adding a layer not required of domestic investors. Sector-specific restrictions apply in areas such as telecommunications, financial services, media, and land ownership.
Legal framework
Companies Act 2012 (Cap. 110); Uganda Investment Code Act 2019; Uganda Registration Services Bureau Act 1998, administered by the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) and the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA)
Key points: starting a business in Uganda
Foreign Ownership Rules
Full (100%) foreign ownership of Ugandan companies is legally permitted under the Companies Act 2012 in most sectors. Exceptions include land (foreigners limited to leaseholds, not freehold), defence, and certain regulated sectors (telecommunications, media, financial institutions) where additional licensing or local-content conditions may apply.
URSB Company Incorporation
Incorporation is conducted online via the URSB Online Business Registration System (OBRS). Steps: (1) create URSB portal account, (2) reserve company name (1-3 working days), (3) upload Memorandum and Articles of Association, (4) pay stamp duty and registration fees, (5) receive Certificate of Incorporation (minimum 2 working days). There is no statutory minimum share capital for private companies.
UIA Investment License (Foreign Investors)
Foreign investors are required by the Uganda Investment Code Act 2019 to obtain an Investment License from the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA), with a minimum capital threshold of USD 250,000 (vs. USD 50,000 for domestic investors). The license is free of charge and UIA targets processing within 48 hours (2 working days) once all documents are submitted via the eBiz portal (ebiz.go.ug).
Post-Incorporation Steps
After URSB incorporation, investors must register for a Tax Identification Number (TIN) with the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) before applying for the UIA Investment License. Sector-specific secondary licences (e.g., financial services, health, mining) are required separately and may extend the overall setup timeline.
Beneficial Ownership Disclosure
The Companies (Amendment) Act 2022 requires every company and limited liability partnership registered in Uganda to maintain and file a register of beneficial owners with URSB. This is a mandatory compliance obligation for all companies, including foreign-owned entities.
One-Stop Shop & Typical Timeline
UIA and URSB co-locate at the Business and Investment Centre in Kampala, operating a physical and online one-stop shop. The full sequence for a foreign investor, URSB incorporation, TIN registration, and UIA Investment License, typically takes 7-14 working days when documents are in order, assuming no sector-specific licence complications.
Sources
- ursb.go.ug/services/business-registration/
- eservices.ursb.go.ug/business-registration-fees-2/
- ugandainvest.go.ug/investing-in-uganda-how-to-apply-for-an-investment-license-certificat
- ugandainvest.go.ug/getting-started/
- ugandainvest.go.ug/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/UIA-Investment-license-Checklist-2024-2.pd
- state.gov/reports/2025-investment-climate-statements/uganda
- ursb.go.ug/
- ugandainvest.go.ug/setting-up-an-investment-project-in-uganda/
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