Latest news with #URSB
Zawya
16-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Speaker Among, Malawian delegation discuss regional cooperation
A visiting delegation from the Government of Malawi has paid a courtesy call on the Speaker Anita Among discussing strategies to enhance service delivery among African countries. The delegation led by the Malawi Minister of Justice, Hon. Titus Edward Songiso Mvalo, is in Uganda for a four-day bench-marking visit with Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB). Among thanked Songiso and his delegation for identifying Uganda for their bench-marking and emphasised the need for African leaders to learn from each other because of the shared problems, levels of development and traditions. 'I have always told ministers and MPs that if you want to do bench-marking, let us do it from countries where we shall be able to learn something. I am happy you have appreciated what Uganda does,' Among said. 'We cannot go and do bench-marking in New York because there is nothing to borrow from there; you can't turn Uganda into a New York of Africa; African problems are solved locally.' Among urged the Malawian government to continue maintaining cordial relations with Uganda and other African countries to promote trade and investment, regional cooperation and parliamentary diplomacy. 'The Parliament of Uganda looks forward to fostering stronger relations with the Parliament of Malawi to enhance inter-parliamentary cooperation, capacity building and knowledge sharing in areas of parliamentary procedures, legislative drafting and oversight functions,' she said. Among lauded URSB for building robust systems that has facilitated a seamless process of registration of public and private companies, and legal documents. She hopes that the delegation from Malawi finds valuable lessons to take home in terms of laws, regulations and operations of the Bureau. Minister Songiso thanked the Speaker for meeting them at short notice and conveyed compliments from the Malawian Speaker, Catherine Gotani Hara. The meeting was graced by Uganda's Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Norbert Mao and URSB officials led by the Registrar General, Mercy Kainobwisho. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.
Zawya
19-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) Hosts Business and Innovation Forum: A Strategic Diplomatic Initiative for Economic Growth
Uganda demonstrated its commitment to fostering a competitive business environment and innovation by hosting a strategic forum at the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) offices in Kololo. Organized in partnership with the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, the forum brought together ambassadors, high commissioners, and diplomats to explore ways to enhance Uganda's business climate, promote innovation, and leverage diplomatic ties for economic growth. Under the theme 'Strengthening Uganda's Economic Future through Strategic Diplomacy and Collaboration,' the event provided a platform for discussions on business registration, intellectual property protection, innovation hubs, and regional trade. It aimed to position Uganda as a prime investment destination and strengthen partnerships with international stakeholders. Hon. Norbert Mao, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, delivered a keynote speech emphasizing Uganda's unique position in global markets. He underscored the government's commitment to simplifying business processes, supporting SMEs, and promoting trade and investment. 'We live in an era of cross-border markets, trade, and an ever-growing youthful population of 77%. The government is dedicated to facilitating business formalization and economic growth,' he stated. He also highlighted Uganda's progress in intellectual property (IP) protection, crucial for fostering innovation. In 2024 alone, URSB registered over 2,700 trademarks and 100 copyrights, reflecting increasing awareness of IP rights among entrepreneurs. Additionally, Uganda's first Geographical Indication (GI) registration for 'Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon Coffee' marked a significant milestone in protecting local agricultural products and boosting their market value.00 The URSB Board Chairperson reaffirmed the Bureau's role in enhancing Uganda's business-friendly environment. 'URSB continues to lead in streamlining business registration and protecting intellectual property. Our all-digital strategy, including the Online Business Registration System (OBRS), has reduced registration times, enabling businesses to grow,' he noted. He also highlighted the Security Interest in Movable Property (SIMPO) electronic register, which facilitates access to credit for businesses. Uganda's innovation ecosystem was another focal point. The Chairperson of Uganda's Innovation Agency (UAI) emphasized the agency's work in supporting start-ups and tech entrepreneurs. 'Our innovation hubs have become centers of excellence. In 2024, we saw a 50% increase in trademark renewals and a surge in patent applications from universities and innovation hubs,' she shared. Hon. Oryem Henry Okello, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of International Cooperation, stressed the importance of diplomatic partnerships in driving Uganda's trade and innovation agenda. He lauded efforts to facilitate Uganda's participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), enabling access to broader markets. 'Diplomacy and regional integration are key to unlocking Uganda's potential. We are ready to work with international partners to drive growth in agriculture, technology, and manufacturing,' he stated. The forum concluded with a call for continued collaboration. Hon. Mao reiterated Uganda's commitment to economic transformation and innovation, urging stakeholders to harness technology for sustainable growth. The event underscored Uganda's readiness to engage globally, ensuring its economic advancement benefits both local and international stakeholders. This initiative marks a crucial step in Uganda's journey toward becoming a competitive business hub, fostering partnerships, and solidifying its role in regional and global markets. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Republic of Uganda - Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
