Organization : Uganda Investment Authority
Type of Facility : Apply Online For Investment License
Country: Uganda
Website : http://www.ugandainvest.go.ug/
Apply Online : https://www.ugandainvest.go.ug/
Apply Online For Investment License :
1. Who is an investor?:
An individual or a legal entity duly engaged in the business of value adding, manufacturing and like activities which create jobs, introduce new technology and pay due taxes when s/he makes a profit.
Related : Uganda Development Authority Coffee Marketing Licensing/ Registration Guidelines : www.statusin.org/7378.html
2. Do I need a local partner to set up an investment?:
No. It is not a requirement to have a local partner’s participation before foreign firms carry out business in Uganda. The investment and trade environment in Uganda is liberalised where 100% foreign holding is permissible.
3. How does one set up investment in Uganda?:
There are (3) three steps to follow
i. Register your company with the Uganda Registration Services Bureau. This can be done at the UIA Investors’ One Stop Centre. You will get a certified copy of your Memorandum and Articles of Association, and a Certificate of Incorporation.
ii. Get your Investment License from Uganda Investment Authority: Go to Website or visit Uganda Investment Authority Offices at Twed Plaza, Plot 22 Lumumba Avenue Kampala.
iii. Secure necessary secondary licenses: Certain sectors require other licenses(i.e Mining, Health Services, Air Transport, Banking etc) UIA can assist you to secure these licenses with reasonable time.
4. Where does one obtain approvals to set up an Investment in Uganda?:
By law, all foreign investors need to obtain an investment license from Uganda Investment Authority (UIA). However according to the current investment Code domestic investors are not obliged.
5. Are there any fees/charges payable to obtain the Investment License?:
The Investment Licenses in Uganda are free of charge.
6. How long does it take to obtain the Investment license?:
It takes a maximum of three (3) working days and if all the required information is submitted the Investment License can be issued in 24 hours.
7. What is a business license?:
A business license is a legal authorization to operate a business in a city/ town/ municipality or boundaries of any country.
8. Who needs a business license?:
Any person/ entity willing to start a business within a given jurisdiction.
9. Why are business licenses important?:
For compliance purposes: business licenses, permits and registrations serve the purpose of advising the licensing authorities that the business is functioning and meeting safety, soundness and tax regulations for the authorities.
10. How long do I have to wait to get my license?:
The time required to process a license is mentioned on the portal and it differs from one license to another.
11. How much should one invest to obtain the approval for the Investment License?:
Foreign Investors require a minimum of US$ 100,000 for their investment project to qualify for an Investment License. For local investors the minimum requirement is US $ 50,000.
12. What are the benefits of having an Investment License?:
i. The license gives added confidence to the holder to engage third parties when making arrangements necessary for establishing the business enterprise in the license.
ii. It assists in getting the secondary licenses.
iii. It assists in recommending the investor for various services ie Commercial Banks, Development Partners, Equity Funders etc
iv. Assists by recommending and following up acquisition of work permits
v. It is a requirement for allocation of land in Government Industrial Parks and serves as added advantage for approval of leases and linking to private land owners
vi. Acts as reference when match making domestic investors with inward investor missions for possible Joint Venture Partnerships, raw material suppliers or markets for finished products
vii. Holder enjoys the benefits of UIA investors’ One Stop Centre by getting first hand information.
viii. Holder gets priority aftercare services when faced with specific challenges such as tax disagreement, closure due to non compliance that needs negotiations with other parties i.e. Government Departments and Agencies etc.