Business 3 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
URSB Strikes Off 90,000 Inactive Companies
The Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) has permanently removed 90,000 companies from its register after they failed to file annual returns for five consecutive years. This action follows a grace period that has now expired. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/ursb-deregisters-90-000-inactive-companies-in-massive-crackdown-5545816
The Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) has officially deregistered a significant number of companies, with 90,000 entities removed from the official business registry. This mass removal stems from the companies’ failure to file their annual returns for five consecutive years and their inability to meet the statutory deadline for restoration.
This drastic measure was enacted under Section 130(6) of the Companies Act, Cap. 106. Previously, these companies had been notified through public notices in 2023 and were granted a 12-month period to regularize their status. However, with this grace period now concluded without the necessary filings, the Registrar of Companies has proceeded with permanent deregistration.
Filing annual returns is a legal requirement for all registered companies in Uganda. These submissions confirm a company’s active status and ensure that crucial details like directorship, shareholding, and registered addresses are up-to-date. Dennis Nabende, Principal Communication Officer at URSB, stated that the crackdown aims to maintain a clean and credible business register.
“When companies fail to file for five years, the law requires us to strike them off. We gave them one year to restore, and those who did not have now been deregistered,” Nabende explained. The consequences for the affected businesses are severe, including the loss of their legal personality, meaning they can no longer conduct business, enter contracts, or engage in legal proceedings. Furthermore, their company names are now available for re-registration by any third party, jeopardizing established brand identities.
The full list of deregistered companies is accessible on the URSB website to guide the public, banks, and government agencies. URSB urges all active companies to adhere to their compliance obligations to prevent similar outcomes. For former directors seeking to reclaim their businesses, the only recourse is now through a potentially costly court application for reinstatement.
This extensive clean-up operation by URSB underscores a firm stance on corporate compliance and reporting in Uganda. For more details, please refer to the Daily Monitor.