Participants from the 4th Cohort of the Business Rescue and Aftercare Program (BRAP) pose for a group photograph with the Registrar General of URSB, Mercy K. Kainobwisho (centre), the Country Manager of IDLO, Barbara Kilei (centre), and URSB staff at the Uganda Business Facilitation Centre (UBFC), Kololo, at the opening of the training in September 2025. Courtesy photo
Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) is a government agency responsible for registering businesses and legal documents, intellectual property, and security interests in movable property, and acting as the Official Receiver in insolvency matters.
This mandate, however, extends beyond registration to promoting business sustainability and economic resilience. As the government agency responsible for regulating insolvency practice in Uganda, URSB plays a critical role in ensuring that enterprises remain compliant, well-structured, and capable of withstanding economic challenges.
Through its insolvency administration function, the Bureau has observed that many businesses collapse due to preventable factors, including poor governance, weak fi nancial management, inadequate planning, and limited access to strategic support. Yet, experience has shown that many struggling businesses can recover and thrive when they receive timely intervention, sound management guidance, and access to suitable support systems.
Promoting business rescue instead of business closure
To address these challenges, URSB established the Business Rescue and Aftercare Programme (BRAP) in 2023. The programme is designed to equip Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with practical knowledge and skills to sustain, revive, and grow their businesses in an increasingly competitive and changing economy.
BRAP encourages a positive shift in mindset from business closure to business rescue, recovery, and long-term sustainability. This approach aligns with international best practices and Uganda’s development agenda under the National Development Plan (NDP) IV, which identifies business sustainability, private sector growth, and job creation as key drivers of socio-economic transformation. The programme aims to strengthen business resilience by enabling enterprises to withstand economic challenges, safeguard jobs, improve productivity, and contribute meaningfully to national development.
Demonstrated impact
Since its inception, BRAP has benefited more than 400 entrepreneurs through four cohorts conducted in Kampala. In 2026, URSB carried out a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) exercise to assess the programme’s effectiveness and impact and the findings demonstrated strong positive outcomes.
According to the assessment, 94 percent of former participants considered the programme highly relevant and responsive to the needs of entrepreneurs, particularly MSMEs. This indicates a strong alignment between the programme’s design and the practical challenges faced by businessowners.
The evaluation also showed that about 90 percent of participants used the knowledge and skills gained from the training. Significant improvements were observed in financial literacy, leadership, and business management skills as participants reported an improved ability to handle finances, make better business decisions, and lead their enterprises more effectively.
Taking Business Rescue Services to the Regions
Although the programme initially recorded success in Kampala, its reach remained limited for entrepreneurs operating in other parts of the country. Recognising the need for broader access, URSB made a strategic decision to decentralize BRAP and extend its benefits nationwide.
With support from the International Development Law Organization (IDLO), URSB has expanded the programme to regions across Uganda. The partnership complements IDLO’s Strategic Plan 2025–2028, which focuses on promoting inclusive economic development, strengthening institutions, and empowering communities through practical, people centred solutions. Through this collaboration, entrepreneurs are being equipped with the tools needed to adapt, survive, and thrive in an evolving business environment.
Eastern Uganda rollout reaches over 300 entrepreneurs
The regional rollout officially commenced in Eastern Uganda, with a launch in Mbale City on 18th May 2026. 3-day training sessions were subsequently conducted in Mbale from 18th –20th May, Tororo from 21st to 23rd May, and later in Jinja. In total, 333 entrepreneurs benefited from the training programme.
The initiative is implemented in collaboration with lead consultant Mr. James Bulenzibuto and several key government institutions, including the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA), Uganda Microfinance Support Centre (UMSC), and Commercial Officers from the respective districts. Support from private sector is got from regional business associations, and SACCOs who share practical learning experiences.
Practical training for business growth
The regional BRAP programme is offered free of charge by URSB with support from IDLO. The training adopts a practical and interactive approach, delivered through three-day in person sessions facilitated by experts from both the public and private sectors.
Participants receive guidance on critical areas such as statutory compliance, governance, financial management, accounting principles, access to finance, business recovery, and sustainable growth strategies. Learning is reinforced through case studies, group discussions, business simulations, guest lectures, and practical exercises that enhance problem solving and decision making skills.
Entrepreneurs also benefit from peer to peer learning opportunities, drawing lessons from successful business owners and previous programme participants. In addition, the programme promotes the use of business associations and local SACCO structures as avenues for accessing finance, markets, information, and other business support services.
To ensure continued impact beyond the classroom, participants are enrolled into a cluster-based mentorship model that provides ongoing support, networking opportunities, and knowledge-sharing among entrepreneurs.
Expansion to Central, Western, and Northern Uganda
Following the successful Eastern Uganda rollout, the programme is set to continue in other regions of the country. Upcoming training sessions are scheduled for Mbarara, Masaka, Hoima, and Fort Portal in Western and Central Uganda, and Arua, Gulu, and Lira in Northern Uganda.
These engagements are expected to significantly expand the programme’s reach, strengthen local enterprises, and contribute to both regional and national economic development.
A call to Uganda’s entrepreneurs
As Uganda continues its journey toward middle-income status, programmes such as BRAP are expected to play an increasingly important role in helping small businesses survive, scale, and succeed. Stronger businesses translate into more jobs, increased tax revenues, improved household incomes, and accelerated economic transformation.
URSB therefore encourages eligible entrepreneurs to apply for the programme. Applicants should be legally registered businesses operating in Uganda, preferably less than five years old, willing to actively participate in the three-day training program and commitment to implementing the skills and knowledge acquired.
By empowering entrepreneurs with practical tools for business resilience and growth, BRAP is helping to build a stronger, more sustainable private sector capable of driving Uganda’s long-term economic development.
