In a bold step towards improving Uganda’s business and legal ecosystem, the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) has officially launched its inaugural Case Digest, a transformative resource aimed at promoting efficiency, transparency, and predictability in the administration of commercial justice.
The launch, held at the URSB headquarters in Kololo, drew wide acclaim from the judiciary, private sector, and legal fraternity. Hon. Justice Mike Chibita, the Guest of Honour, lauded the publication as a critical tool that will streamline dispute resolution and strengthen Uganda’s investment environment.
“This Case Digest is more than a reference tool. It is a catalyst for efficiency and fairness. By providing clear, accessible precedents, we are eliminating ambiguity and reducing delays in decision-making across the business and legal landscape,” Justice Chibita remarked.
He emphasised that the digest will particularly benefit entrepreneurs and investors who require legal certainty to make informed business decisions.
Driving Efficiency and Transparency in Business Regulation
The digest compiles key decisions rendered by URSB Registrars in their quasi-judicial roles, spanning company law, intellectual property disputes, trademark oppositions, copyright objections, and insolvency proceedings. It also features landmark court rulings where URSB was a party, offering a consolidated and reliable repository of commercial legal precedents.
Rt. Hon. Amb. Canon Francis K. Butagira, URSB Board Chairman, noted that the Case Digest is more than a legal archive.
“It is a strategic instrument for streamlining services, promoting transparency, and enhancing public awareness. By simplifying access to commercial justice, we are directly supporting Uganda’s agenda for business formalisation and sustainable economic growth,” he said.
A Tool for Accessible, Predictable Justice
The Registrar General, Ms. Mercy K. Kainobwisho, underscored the digest’s value in expediting service delivery and reducing litigation burdens.
“The Case Digest will accelerate decision-making for businesses and practitioners by providing readily available precedents. It is a cornerstone in building a modern, predictable legal system that supports timely access to justice and enhances confidence in doing business in Uganda,” she explained.
Commissioner for Legal Services, Ms. Caroline T. Egesa, further stressed the economic importance of the initiative.
“Legal predictability is essential for attracting investment, spurring innovation, and driving inclusive growth. This Case Digest will enable businesses, especially SMEs and innovators, to navigate regulatory processes with clarity and speed,” she said.
The digest simplifies complex legal issues, offering practical guidance to reduce disputes and foster more efficient legal advisory services. By making justice more accessible, especially through URSB’s faster, quasi-judicial processes, the initiative directly addresses the bottlenecks that often slow down business operations and formalisation in Uganda.
A Commitment to Continuous Improvement
URSB has pledged to publish the Case Digest regularly, incorporating evolving jurisprudence and expanding its scope to meet emerging business needs. The Bureau has also called on stakeholders including government agencies, the judiciary, private sector actors, and development partners to actively engage with the digest and contribute to its growth.
The high-profile launch event, attended by leading members of the judiciary, legal professionals, academia, and business leaders, signals a united commitment to creating a more efficient, transparent, and investor-friendly environment in Uganda.
URSB’s Case Digest is a landmark move towards delivering faster, smarter, and more predictable commercial justice, setting a new benchmark for regulatory efficiency and business support in Uganda’s rising economy.
