How to Reserve a Business or Company Name in Uganda via URSB Portal (Step-by-Step Guide)

Introduction

Thinking of starting a business in Uganda? Whether you’re setting up a small shop, a partnership, or even a fully registered company, the very first step is choosing and reserving a business name. 

Reserving a business name or company name in Uganda is what gives your brand a unique identity and secures it before anyone else can use it. 

The good news is that Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) has made the whole process simple and digital through their online portal. 

In this guide, I’ll walk you through, step by step, how to reserve your business or company name easily online.

This process applies to both reservation of a name for purposes of registering a company and also for purposes of registering just the business name. 

Brief Summary on How to Reserve a Business name or Company Name Online

Go to the URSB (OBRS) portal → Click Start → Reserve a Name → Pick entity type → Enter your name + and two alternative names → Preview the fees to be paid → Generate a Payment Reference Number (PRN) → Pay → Wait for confirmation. 

For a detailed guide, follow the steps below;

Step By Step Guide On How To Reserve A Business Or Company Name

Step 1: Go to the URSB Portal

Log in to your OBRS account (or create one). From the dashboard click Start then Reserve Name.

Step 2: Choose Entity Type 

If you want a business name (sole trader / business name) select Business name. If it’s a company select Company and then pick the company subtype. (This choice determines which details you’ll fill in later.)

Step 3: Choose Business Structure

Select the specific form of the entity (e.g., partnership, private company, joint venture). This is the drop-down that tells URSB what you plan to register.

Step 4: Enter Name Choices

Put your first choice plus two alternative names (in case the first is rejected). URSB recommends submitting three names.

Step 5: Select Nature Of Business 

Pick the sector or business activity (agriculture, accommodation, retail, etc.). Choose the one that best matches what you’ll do.

Step 6: Preview The Reservation & Fees

The portal shows the reserved name and the fees before you continue. The standard name reservation fee is UGX 35,000. 

Registration fees after reservation vary by entity and capital. Check the URSB fee schedule if you need exact registration pricing.

Step 7: Generate PRN and pay

The portal will let you generate a PRN (Payment Reference Number). Click the button to generate a PRN, use the PRN to pay by Mobile Money, bank, Visa or other e-payment options offered.

Step 8: Submit and wait for confirmation

After payment you’ll receive the reservation outcome (usually within a couple of working days). If approved, the name is reserved for you.

Step 9: Register Within The Reservation Period 

Name reservations are typically valid for 30 days, so complete your registration (upload forms, IDs, signed documents) within that window. 

To complete the process of incorporation or business name registration, you must proceed with the following steps.

Head to the dashboard, click Start > and select Register a business name and choose the name reservation from the available name reservaitons. 

You’ll upload ID copies, signed forms and any required supporting documents. 

Quick tips for Successful Name Reservation

Pick three realistic names. Avoid names too similar to existing ones or any offensive words.
Use a clear, readable scan for IDs. If you’re unsure about fees for registration (not just reservation), check URSB’s official fee schedule before paying.

Conclusion