Kampala, 4 March 2026
The Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) officially launched its ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System Certification, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s journey to enhance service delivery, strengthen governance systems, and align with internationally recognized quality standards.
The launch event, held at the Uganda Business Facilitation Centre in Kololo, brought together high-level government officials, regulatory agencies, development partners, private sector representatives, and international delegates to celebrate URSB’s achievement.
The ceremony was presided over by Dr. Mary Teopista Wanene, Deputy Head of Public Service and Deputy Secretary to Cabinet, who represented the Head of Public Service. In her remarks, she commended URSB for its commitment to institutional excellence and its efforts to strengthen public sector service delivery through internationally recognized quality management systems.
She noted that ISO certification reflects a strong commitment by public institutions to improve efficiency, accountability, and transparency in service delivery, while also promoting greater confidence among citizens and investors.
The event was also attended by H.E Rt. Hon. Ambassador Francis Butagira, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Uganda Registration Services Bureau, who emphasized the critical role of governance and board leadership in guiding institutions toward strategic transformation and sustainable performance.
According to the Board Chairman, the achievement demonstrates the value of strong oversight structures and disciplined management systems in delivering institutional reforms. He encouraged both public and private sector organizations to strengthen governance structures to ensure long-term organizational success.
Delivering her address and opening remarks, Mercy Kainobwisho, Registrar General of URSB, highlighted the Bureau’s transformation journey from manual registry systems to modern digital platforms that allow businesses and citizens to access services more efficiently.
She explained that URSB has significantly invested in digitization and automation of its services, including the introduction of the Online Business Registration System (OBRS), which has helped reduce turnaround times for business registration and other registry services.
“Our journey to ISO certification reflects our commitment to building systems that are predictable, efficient, and customer-centered,” she said, adding that the Bureau aims to ensure that citizens can access services based on systems rather than personal connections.
Kainobwisho also emphasized the importance of strong governance structures in institutions, noting that the milestone offers an important lesson for the private sector and corporate organizations.
“This serves as an important lesson for the private sector and corporate institutions. Strong and active boards are essential for ensuring sound governance, oversight, and long-term sustainability of organizations,” she said.
She encouraged private companies to take note by strengthening board structures, promoting strategic oversight, and ensuring that governance frameworks support organizational growth and accountability.
The certification process involved the establishment of structured quality management systems, documentation of internal processes, staff capacity building, and rigorous internal and external audits to ensure compliance with the ISO 9001:2015 international standard.
During the ceremony, representatives from certification partners presented the official ISO certificate to URSB leadership, symbolizing the Bureau’s compliance with global quality management standards and its readiness to maintain these standards through continuous improvement.
The launch also brought together several distinguished guests, including Deputy Inspector General of Government, Mrs. Anne Twinomugisha Muhairwe, Alhaj Kaddunabbi Ibrahim Lubega, CEO-Insurance Regulatory Authority, Uganda, along with representatives from the Uganda Revenue Authority, Private Sector Foundation Uganda, National Planning Authority,Ministry of Trade, key government institutions and and other stakeholders from the private sector.
A visiting delegation from the Patents and Companies Registration Agency of Zambia also attended the event, highlighting the growing importance of regional cooperation and knowledge sharing among registry institutions across Africa.
Speakers at the event emphasized that while achieving ISO certification is a major milestone, it also comes with the responsibility of maintaining the standards through continuous monitoring, process improvements, and regular audits.
The certification is expected to further strengthen URSB’s role in supporting Uganda’s business environment by providing efficient, transparent, and reliable services to entrepreneurs, investors, and the public.
As Uganda continues to promote private sector development and investment, institutions such as URSB play a key role in ensuring that the regulatory environment supports business growth while maintaining strong governance and accountability frameworks.
The ISO 9001:2015 certification therefore represents not only recognition of URSB’s efforts but also a commitment to building a modern, efficient, and globally competitive registry system that supports Uganda’s economic transformation.