The Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) recently struck-off over 186,000 companies that failed to file their annual returns for more than five years. Under the Companies Act, Cap 110, companies must submit annual returns within 42 days after their Annual General Meeting. Failure to comply for over five years grants the Registrar the authority to strike off such companies from the register. Of the companies struck-off, 10,001 that did not did not apply for restoration have been permanently removed.

[To check if your company is among those deregistered, view the full list of affected companies on the URSB website here: https://ursb.go.ug/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Deregistered_List_For_Publishing-07_02_2025.pdf

What This Means for Affected Companies

• Loss of Legal Status – The Company ceases to exist as a registered entity and cannot legally operate.
• Business Name Vulnerability – Once struck off, the company’s name becomes available for reservation and use by another party within 12 months. If your business name carries value or recognition, it could be registered by someone else.
• Impact on Banking & Contracts – Business bank accounts, ongoing contracts, and any legal claims made under the company name may become void.
• Disruption of Business Relationships – Government tenders, supplier agreements, and service contracts may be terminated due to loss of legal recognition.
• Legal Consequences for Continued Operations – Operating a deregistered company is an offense, attracting a fine of 200 currency points (UGX 4 million) for each day of default.
• Personal Liability for Directors & Shareholders – Without a legally recognized company, directors and shareholders may become personally liable for outstanding debts and legal claims.

What You Can Do

If your company has been deregistered and you wish to restore it and reclaim your business name, take immediate action:

1. Check Your Company’s Status – Visit the URSB website (https://URSB.go.ug) or URSB offices to confirm your company’s deregistration status.
2. Seek a Vesting Order – If your company held assets, obtain a vesting order to transfer them to the rightful beneficiaries.
3. Reserve Your Business Name – If the name is still available, reserve it immediately to prevent another entity from claiming it.
4. Reincorporate the Company – Secure the business name and follow the incorporation process, including submitting the required documents and paying incorporation fees.
5. Ensure Future Compliance – Avoid future deregistration by filing annual returns on time, maintaining tax compliance with the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), and adhering to all regulatory obligations.