Coming up with a business name is one of the most important steps in branding and building your identity.
However, if you do not register your business name legally in Uganda, someone else can use the same name or a close variation. This can easily result in loss of brand reputation, customer confusion, and even legal disputes.
In this article, I will help you understand what a business name is, the do’s and don’ts of choosing one, and a step-by-step guide on how to register your desired business name in Uganda.
I will also explain what to do if your preferred name is rejected and outline the ongoing obligations you need to meet to keep your business name active and legally protected.
Without further delay, let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
In case you are in a rush, here’s a quick summary on how you can register your business name in Uganda.
Quick Summary on How to Register Your Business Name in Uganda
To register your business name in Uganda, start by choosing a unique, easy-to-remember name that is not abusive, misleading, or offensive.
Conduct a name search via the URSB Online Portal to ensure it is available. Prepare at least three name options, submit the required documents, and pay the official fees for reservation and registration.
Once your application is reviewed and approved, you will receive a Certificate of Registration, giving you legal ownership of the name.
Keep in mind that registration must be renewed every three years, and ongoing obligations, such as filing a Statement of Business Continuity, must be met to avoid de-registration.
But in case you want to learn everything there is to know about registering your business name in Uganda, continue reading.
What is a Business Name?
A business name is a name that distinguishes your business from others. It is the name customers associate with your products or services.
In Uganda, registering your desired business name with the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) ensures that your name is legally recognised and protected.
Do’s and Don’ts of Choosing Business Names in Uganda
When choosing a business name, keep in mind the following:
Do’s
- It should be unique. Come up with your own name or utilise tools like ChatGPT to give you name ideas.
- It should be easy to pronounce and remember.
Don’ts
- It should not be abusive.
- It should not be indecent, immoral, or obscene.
- It should not be misleading about your nationality, qualifications, or sector.
NB: Before you decide to register a business, do a quick Google search and social media check to make sure your preferred name is not already being used as a brand or domain name by someone else.
Steps to Register a Business Name in Uganda
1. Access the URSB Online Portal
The first step is to access the URSB Online Portal.
If you do not have an account, you will need to create one by providing your personal details and setting up a secure password.
If you already have an account, simply log in using your credentials.
Once logged in, you can begin the business name registration process as detailed belowl.
2. Conduct a Name Search
Once you successfuly log in to the URSB Portal, go to the left panel and select “Name Check.”
Enter your desired business name and click “Search” to view the results.
The system will show whether the name is registered, struck off, or reserved by another person or entity.
If the name is registered or reserved, you cannot use it. If it is struck off or does not appear in the results, it is generally available for reservation.
NB: A name search can also be performed on the URSB portal without logging in.
3. Reserve a Name with URSB
On the left panel, click “Start” and select “Name Reservation“
You will be redirected to a form that you have to fill out.
Fill in the details of the entity you want to reserve a name for i.e business name, company or a building society and the entity category. Since we are registering a business name for your business, selecting business name off the list is the appropiate option.
For reservation of a company name, then choosing company is the appropiate option.
Next, fill in your desired name and two other alternative names. If your first choice of name is unavailable, URSB will consider your second or third alternative. So it is always better to have these prepared before.
Additionally, select the nature of your business and then click “Save & Continue“
NB: Remember that a business name must be unique. URSB will reject any name that is identical or confusingly similar to an existing one to avoid misleading the public.
4. Preview and Confirm Detailsovide the Required Documents
After filling in the required details, you will be redirected to a preview page where you will be shown your chosen names.
Make sure that you preview the names or accuracy and click the “Continue” button.
5. Pay Fees
URSB will only process your application after you pay the required fees. Currently, the fees are as follows:
- Business name reservation fee – UGX 350,000.
- Business name registration fee – UGX 55,000.
Click “Generate PRN” and effect the payments from your mobile money account or preferred payment option.
Give it some time to process and you will recieve a confirmation that your business name has been registered.
Fees may change, so always confirm the latest rates from URSB Fees page.
6. Submission and Review
Once you submit your applicationand pay the necessary fees, it will be reviewed by a Registrar from URSB.
If any issues are identified, your application may be queried, and you will need to respond and provide clarifications.
If all requirements are met and no queries are raised, your application to register a business name in Uganda will be approved.
7. Receive Your Certificate of Registration
Once approved, URSB issues a Certificate of Registration of Business Name. This certificate is proof that you legally own the business name and no one else can use it.
8. Renewal of Business Name
Business name registrations in Uganda are not indefinite. You are required to renew every 3 years by paying the prescribed renewal fee. Failure to renew can lead to your name being struck off the register.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if My Desired Name is Rejected?
If URSB rejects your desired business name, your business name registration will be queried.
To resolve this, you may appeal the decision by showing why your name is different from the one already on record.
In some cases, you can also argue that your business operates in a different sector from the one with the similar name.
Alternatively, you may decide to abandon your first choice altogether and register another variation.
What to Do After Registering Your Business Name in Uganda
Once you have successfully registered your business name, you can start using your Business name as the owner.
Addtionally, you must keep the name active and file a Statement of Business Continuity, which confirms that you are still operating under the registered name.
If you are registering a company, reserving a name is only the first step. You must follow through with the full company registration process.
You can file this through the URSB Online Portal or at any URSB office.
If you fail to file this statement for three (3) consecutive years, URSB can de-register your business name. This means you lose its legal protection, and someone else may register it.
If you need help preparing or filing the Statement of Business Continuity, we can assist you to ensure your business name remains valid and compliant.
Business Name Registration vs Company Registration
It is important to note that registering a business name is not the same as registering a company in Uganda. A business name only protects your trading name, while company registration goes further by creating a separate legal entity with limited liability and additional compliance requirements.
Many people confuse the two, but they serve different purposes. Some entrepreneurs start with a business name and later upgrade to a company as their business grows.
NB: Registering your business name in Uganda is a crucial step in protecting your brand and building customer trust.
If you are considering moving beyond a business name and would like to set up a company, our team can guide you through the entire registration process and ensure everything is done correctly.
Conclusion
This article discusses what a business name is, the do’s and don’ts of choosing one, the step-by-step process on how to reserve and register your business name with URSB.
It also discusses what to do if your desired name is rejected, and the ongoing obligations to keep your name active.
I hope you found it helpful.
In case you encounter any difficulties during the process, you can reach out for support or contact us, and we will guide you through the registration process to ensure everything is completed smoothly and correctly.
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