URSB Deregisters Thousands of Non-Compliant Companies

The Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) has intensified its efforts to enforce compliance with the Companies Act of 2012 by striking off and deregistering non-compliant companies from the register.

In 2023, the Registrar of Companies struck off 297,697 companies from the register that failed to file annual returns for five consecutive years, rendering them inactive and unable to conduct formal business. Operating a struck-off company is an offence, punishable by a fine of up to UGX 4 million per day, as per Regulation 41 of the Companies Regulations, 2023.

URSB has now taken further action by permanently deregistering 10,001 companies that did not apply for reinstatement after being struck off.

A Notice of Deregistration was issued on February 7, 2025, officially removing these businesses from the register. Deregistration is the permanent removal of a company from the register. This means that the company legally ceases to exist, and after 12 months, the company name becomes available for use by others.

However, URSB has urged companies that remain struck off to immediately apply for reinstatement to avoid permanent deregistration. Reinstatement applications must be submitted via the Online Business Registration System (OBRS) and require filing outstanding annual returns to complete the reinstatement process successfully.

Companies are encouraged to act promptly to avoid permanent deregistration. The public, including government ministries, departments, agencies, financial institutions, and businesses, has been warned against transacting with struck-off or deregistered companies. A full list of affected companies is available on the URSB website (www.ursb.go.ug).

URSB reaffirmed its commitment to continue monitoring company records and compliance, ensuring that businesses adhere to their statutory obligations.