Uganda: URSB company search, fees and beneficial ownership
- Registry
- Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) 2
- Record search, register of companies
- UGX 25,000 1
- Certified copy of a company document
- UGX 35,000 1
- Beneficial owner inspection
- UGX 25,000 per application on Form 3 3
- Beneficial owner percentage threshold
- None set in the regulations 3
How to search the register
URSB keeps the register of companies and the register of documents 1. Its business registration page sends users to the OBRS portal at eregistry.ursb.go.ug and links to explainer videos on how to use OBRS 2.
The Ministry of ICT and National Guidance announced the OBRS launch on 8 April 2024 4. It said clients can create accounts, submit applications and get feedback in real time, and that URSB staff process applications online 4. The ministry said the system gives the private sector access to business information for investment decisions 4.
The URSB client charter for 2025 to 2030 says clients can pay by mobile money, Visa or through a bank of their choice 5. It lists a call centre and live chat at www.ursb.go.ug for help 5.
Search and copy fees
The URSB fee schedule page gives these amounts. The page shows no effective date 1.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Record search on the register of companies (item D.21) 1 | UGX 25,000 1 |
| Record search on the register of documents (item C.2) 1 | UGX 35,000 1 |
| Inspection of a document on the register of documents (item C.3) 1 | UGX 35,000 1 |
| Certification of any company document on the register (item D.12) 1 | UGX 35,000 1 |
| Certification of any document on the foreign company register (item D.17) 1 | US$30 1 |
| Annual return, private company with share capital (item D.7) 1 | UGX 55,000 1 |
| Annual return, company limited by guarantee (item D.8) 1 | UGX 35,000 1 |
| Inspection of beneficial owner particulars (Schedule 2) 3 | UGX 25,000 3 |
| Copy or extract of beneficial owner particulars (Schedule 2) 3 | UGX 25,000 per copy 3 |
Beneficial ownership rules
The Companies (Beneficial Owners) Regulations, 2023 are Statutory Instrument 1 of 2023, published in the Uganda Gazette on 6 January 2023 3. The Minister responsible for justice made them on 29 December 2022 under sections 119A and 294(1) of the Companies Act, 2012 3.
A beneficial owner is a natural person who has final ownership or control of a company, or who exercises ultimate control over it 3. The regulations set no percentage threshold. Form 1 asks for shareholding, voting rights, the right to appoint or remove a majority of the board, and significant influence or control 3.
- A company with beneficial owners keeps a register with names, National Identification Number, addresses, shareholding, tax identification number and, for foreigners, immigration status 3.
- The company files Form 1 with the registrar within 14 days after it creates the register 3.
- Changes go to the registrar on Form 2 within 14 days after the change 3.
- The register may not be kept outside Uganda 3.
- Failure to keep or file the register, or to report changes, carries a daily default fine of 25 currency points for the company and every officer in default. The regulations do not state the value of a currency point 3.
Who can see beneficial owner data
Regulation 8 says a person may apply to the registrar to inspect the particulars of beneficial owners on Form 3 and pay the Schedule 2 fee 3. The registrar may set inspection times and other conditions 3. Copies and extracts are available on application and payment 3.
Government ministries, departments and agencies, including competent authorities such as the Financial Intelligence Authority, pay no fee for copies they need for their work 3. The registrar must verify the identity of every beneficial owner and keep an official record of the Form 1 particulars 3.
Common questions
How much is a company search in Uganda?
The URSB fee schedule lists a record search on the register of companies at UGX 25,000 1.
Where do I search or register a company in Uganda?
URSB sends users to its Online Business Registration System at eregistry.ursb.go.ug 2.
Can the public see beneficial owners in Uganda?
A person may apply on Form 3 to inspect beneficial owner particulars and pay UGX 25,000. The registrar may set conditions 3.
What is the beneficial ownership threshold in Uganda?
The 2023 regulations set no percentage. They define a beneficial owner as a natural person with final ownership or control of a company 3.
Rules and fees change. Check the official site linked above before you apply or pay. Spotted an error? Email [email protected] with the official link.
Sources
- URSB: Business, Company and Document Registration Fees (no date shown, read 20 October 2026)
- URSB: Business Registration (no date shown, read 20 October 2026)
- Uganda Gazette: Companies (Beneficial Owners) Regulations, 2023, Statutory Instrument 1 of 2023 (6 January 2023)
- Ministry of ICT and National Guidance: Uganda launches Online Business Registration System (8 April 2024)
- URSB: Client Charter 2025 to 2030 (November 2025 upload)
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