Working with a lawyer in Uganda to change your name is the most recommended and streamlined process, as they handle the necessary legal drafting and statutory compliance on your behalf.
Here is a step-by-step breakdown of how the name change process works when engaging a lawyer:
Name Change Process Using a Lawyer
1. The Initial Consultation and Drafting
- Lawyer Engagement: You hire a qualified Ugandan Advocate (Lawyer) and provide them with all necessary personal details and documents (e.g., National ID, passport photos, current name, and the desired new name).
- Drafting the Deed Poll: The lawyer drafts the Deed Poll document. This is the legal declaration where you formally abandon your old name and adopt the new one.
- Drafting the Affidavit: The lawyer also drafts an Affidavit in support of the Deed Poll, which is a sworn statement confirming your intent and the details of the name change.
2. Execution and Commissioning
- Execution: You (the applicant) sign the Deed Poll and the Affidavit.
- Commissioning: The lawyer, who is often also a Commissioner for Oaths, certifies the Affidavit by having you swear to the truth of its contents. This legalizes the sworn statement.
3. Registration with URSB
- Registration: The lawyer submits the executed Deed Poll and Affidavit to the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), specifically the Registrar of Documents.5
- Purpose: This step is mandatory for the Deed Poll to become a public legal document. The lawyer pays the required registration fees on your behalf. This also costs money in taxes, lawyer’s time and expertise
4. Gazetting the Name Change
- Submission to UPPC: The lawyer submits the registered Deed Poll to the Uganda Printing and Publishing Corporation (UPPC) for publication in The Uganda Gazette.
- Publication: The name change is formally published in the Gazette, which is the official government publication. This serves as a public notice of your name change and is a crucial final step for the change to be legally binding and recognized by all government bodies.
- Note: Gazetting fees vary, but often range from UGX 300,000 to UGX 460,000.
5. Obtaining the Final Documents
- Collection: The lawyer obtains a certified copy of the Registered Deed Poll and a copy of the Uganda Gazette extract containing the notice of your name change.
- Handover: These documents are handed over to you. These two documents are your legal proof of the name change.
6. Updating Official Records (Optional/Advised Service)
- Application for Updates: The lawyer can further assist you in applying to update your name on major documents using the Registered Deed Poll and Gazette notice:
- National ID & Passport: Applying to the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA).
- Birth Certificate: Applying to the Registrar of Births and Deaths.
- Academic Records, Bank Accounts, etc.
Why use a Lawyer?
| Benefit | Description |
| Accuracy | Ensures the Deed Poll is drafted correctly, complying with The Oaths Act and The Registration of Documents Act, preventing rejection. |
| Efficiency | The lawyer handles all physical submissions to URSB and UPPC, managing the bureaucracy and saving you time. |
| Commissioning | They can act as the Commissioner for Oaths, consolidating the drafting and swearing process. |
| Legal Advice | They can advise you on potential reasons a name change might be rejected (e.g., trying to evade debt or criminal liability). |
To get personalized legal services, contact Arnold on +256709669443 (Call/WhatsApp)