By David Rupiny
The Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) is the chief investment promotion agency of the Government of Uganda. The authority supports prospective investors, including the issuance of investment certificates, and we are happy to provide the following guidance:
Investor license requirements:
International investors are required to register their company with the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) and obtain a Certificate of Incorporation and the Memorandum and Articles of Association. https://ursb.go.ug
After business registration, the company goes ahead and obtains a Tax Identification Number (TIN) from the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA). https://ura.go.ug
Before commencing operations, the company secures an Investment License (Certificate) from the Uganda Investment Authority. Applying for and processing an Investment License is FREE-OF-CHARGE. An investor DOES NOT pay for an Investment License, including its processing.
The application process:
- A completed application form is available on the UIA website https://ebiz.go.ug or https://ugandainvest.go.ug/
- Legal status – present a copy of the certificate of incorporation, memorandum, and articles of association from URSB.
- Company Tax Identification Number (TIN) Certificate from URA
- A brief Business Proposal on the project (Not less than 5 pages, clearly indicating:
- The company overview.
- The executive summary.
- The product or service description.
- Market analysis.
- Human resource plan.
- Financial plan.
- Evidence of availability of financing for the project (which could be a bank statement for the company or directors, or any other evidence of financing)
Domestic Investors – minimum threshold of USD50,000 (equivalent to UGX 180,000,000)
International Investors – Minimum threshold of USD250,000 (equivalent to UGX900,000,000)
8. Proof of location for the investment project (attach a copy of the land title, land purchase agreement, or tenancy agreement to confirm the location of the project).
9. Electronic copy of Passport or National Identification for Shareholders.
Once a complete application is submitted, the approval process typically takes 24 working hours, that is, if all the requirements are fulfilled.
The Uganda Investment Authority has in place a dedicated team to handhold an Investor throughout the process and thereafter.
Contact us for more information and guidance:
Head Office
Uganda Business Facilitation Centre
Plot 1, Baskerville Avenue, Kololo, Kampala
Levels 1, 6, 7 & 11
P. O. Box 7418, Kampala, Uganda
Tel: +256-414-301000
Email: [email protected]
One-Stop Centre for Investors
Ground Floor
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