Uganda, with its diverse resources and untapped potential, has emerged as an attractive destination for foreign and domestic investments. To foster a conducive investment climate and streamline the process of doing business, the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) took a pioneering step by establishing the One Stop Centre. This centralized hub brings together over 14 government and private sector institutions responsible for investment facilitation, creating a seamless experience for investors. Moreover, the introduction of the eBiz platform (eBiz.go.ug) allows investors to access these services online, further simplifying the investment process. In this article, we explore the significance and benefits of the Uganda Investment Authority’s One Stop Centre.
The One Stop Centre is a comprehensive facility designed to address every aspect of investment facilitation in Uganda. Investors can access a wide range of services that span across various government departments and private sector entities. These services include:
Investment Advisory and Facilitation: The One Stop Centre offers expert advice and assistance throughout the investment process, helping investors make informed decisions and navigate regulatory requirements.
Business Name and Company Registration: The centre facilitates the smooth registration of businesses and companies, essential for establishing a legal and operational framework.
Tax Registration: Streamlining tax registration enables investors to comply with tax regulations effortlessly, fostering transparency and accountability.
Work Permits and Passes: The centre assists in obtaining work permits and passes for foreign investors and employees, ensuring the workforce remains legally compliant.
Land Title Verification: Verifying land titles through the One Stop Centre minimizes the risk of fraudulent transactions and provides investors with greater security in land acquisitions.
Trading Licence: Acquiring trading licenses becomes hassle-free, enabling investors to engage in their chosen business activities without unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles.
Environmental Impact Assessment Certification: Investors seeking to develop projects that may impact the environment can obtain the necessary certifications through the One Stop Centre.
Industrial Power and Water: Access to industrial power and water is crucial for businesses, and the centre facilitates these essential utilities for investors.
Product and Service Certification: The centre assists investors in obtaining certifications for their products and services, ensuring compliance with quality and safety standards.
Citizenship and Immigration Control: Investors exploring Ugandan citizenship can access guidance and support through the centre.
Employer-Employee Relations Advisory: The centre provides guidance on labor laws and employment practices, promoting positive employer-employee relationships.
Free Zones Advisory: Investors interested in setting up businesses in designated free zones can seek expert advice from the One Stop Centre.
Banking and Online Payments: Facilitating banking and online payment services ensures efficient financial transactions for investors.
Social Security Registration: Investors can register for social security benefits for their employees, promoting a secure workforce.
The One Stop Centre has had a profound impact on Uganda’s investment climate. By bringing together multiple services under one roof, it significantly reduces the bureaucratic burden and eliminates the need for investors to navigate through various government offices independently. This streamlined approach saves time, reduces paperwork, and minimizes the chances of bureaucratic delays, all of which contribute to making Uganda a more attractive investment destination.
Additionally, the introduction of the eBiz platform complements the physical One Stop Centre. The online portal facilitates remote access to services, empowering investors to initiate and monitor their investment processes from anywhere in the world. This digital transformation increases efficiency, transparency, and accessibility, further enhancing Uganda’s appeal to foreign investors.
One of the most significant advantages of the One Stop Centre is its role in mitigating fraud and eliminating the need for middlemen. Prior to its establishment, investors often faced the risk of falling victim to fraudulent agents who would exploit their lack of familiarity with local procedures and demand exorbitant fees for services offered free of charge. The One Stop Centre’s centralized and transparent approach reduces such risks, providing investors with accurate information and preventing them from being deceived.
The Uganda Investment Authority’s One Stop Centre stands as a testament to the government of Uganda’s commitment to fostering a conducive investment environment. By bringing together key government and private sector entities and incorporating a user-friendly online platform, the centre streamlines the investment process and empowers investors to make informed decisions. With the elimination of middlemen and fraudulent practices, the One Stop Centre paves the way for transparent, efficient, and secure investments in Uganda, propelling the nation towards sustained economic growth and development.
Joshua Mushwa Potere
Communications Officer, GCIC / State House
