URSB Reforms Under Kainobwisho Target Fraudulent Registrations and Enhance Transparency

Since assuming office in December 2020, Registrar General Mercy Kainobwisho has steered the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) through a period of profound transformation. Inheriting a system laden with manual processes and fragmentation, Kainobwisho prioritized not just speed but also resilience against manipulation. A comprehensive five-year performance report reveals a shift from a purely administrative body to a strategic institution bolstering corporate transparency, financial integrity, and regulatory enforcement.

Central to these reforms is the digitalization of services and the strengthening of beneficial ownership transparency. By enhancing the accuracy and accessibility of information on company ownership, URSB has bolstered Uganda’s efforts against money laundering and terrorism financing, contributing to the country’s exit from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list. These measures make it harder for opaque ownership structures to obscure illicit activities.

The URSB has also toughened its stance against fraudulent registrations and misrepresentation. Through improved litigation management and legal advisory functions, the bureau is actively combating abuses that undermine the integrity of public registers. This enhanced regulatory environment signifies a clear message: fraudulent practices and false representations will face increased scrutiny and reduced opportunities for concealment.

Technological advancements have been crucial, with URSB transitioning to a largely digital operational model. Systems like the Online Business Registration System (OBRS) and Electronic Document Management System (EDMS) have drastically cut down registration times. Business name registrations now take approximately 30 minutes, and company registrations about three to four hours, a significant improvement from the previous one to three working days. This digitalization also creates clearer transaction trails, further enhancing transparency.

Beyond technology, Kainobwisho has focused on fostering an accountable and capable workforce. Staff numbers have increased, alongside investments in training, welfare, and performance management. The bureau’s ISO 9001:2015 certification and improved partnerships underscore its evolution into a more professional and trusted public institution. These systemic changes, embedded within the institution, are designed to ensure sustained progress in creating a registration environment that is faster, more transparent, and more accountable.

These reforms, while beneficial, have naturally faced resistance from those accustomed to less stringent processes. However, the documented evidence of strengthened legal frameworks, improved enforcement, and modernized systems highlights the significant progress URSB has made under Kainobwisho’s leadership. The focus remains on building robust systems that are less susceptible to manipulation, making Uganda’s registration landscape more secure and reliable.

Source: Nile Post