Yes, a foreigner can own a company 100% alone in Uganda. Ugandan law is very investor-friendly and generally does not require you to have a local Ugandan partner or shareholder for most business sectors.
However, there are specific legal “fine prints” regarding capital, land, and certain regulated industries that you should know.
1. The “Single Member” Rule
Under the Companies Act, you can register a Private Limited Company with just one shareholder and one director. Both can be the same person, and both can be 100% foreign. If you are one person, you can register a Single Member Company (SMC), If you are two or more you can register a limited by shares or limited by guarantee company or LLC.
2. Minimum Capital Requirements
While there is no “universal” minimum capital to simply register a company at the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), there are practical thresholds:
- To get an Investment License: If you want to benefit from tax incentives or easily get work permits, the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) usually requires a minimum investment of USD 250,000 for foreign investors (this was historically $100k but has moved toward $250k in recent policy shifts).
- For Work Permits (Class G2): To live in Uganda and run your business, you typically need to prove you have a significant amount of capital (often around USD 100,000) deposited in a Ugandan bank account.
- You can also register a company for a low as USD160 share capital in case you are not a a heavy investor (small and medium companies)
3. Exceptions (Where you CANNOT own 100%)
There are a few “strategic” sectors where the government requires local participation or state partnership:
- Mining & Petroleum: Often requires a percentage of “Local Content” or government equity.
- Telecommunications: National providers (like MTN or Airtel) are now required by the Communications Licensing Framework to list at least 20% of their shares on the Uganda Securities Exchange for locals to buy.
- Private Security: Often requires at least one Ugandan director for security clearance.
4. Using a Lawyer (like Arnold Ashaba)
If you use a lawyer to set this up, they will handle the following “Single-Foreigner” hurdles:
- Memorandum & Articles of Association: Tailoring them for a single-member company or LLC.
- Tax Identification Number (TIN): Linking your foreign passport to the URA system.
- Investment License: Navigating the UIA application if you meet the capital threshold for heavy investors that need government incentives.
- Special Pass/Work Permit: Ensuring you can legally stay in the country to run the office.
Quick Summary for 2026:
- Ownership: 100% Foreigner is allowed.
- Taxes: 30% Corporate Income Tax (same as locals).
FOR PERSONALIZED LEGAL SERVICES & GUIDANCE CALL OR EMAIL ARNOLD
WhatsApp/Phone: +256 709 669443
Email: legalservice.uganda@gmail.com
Location: Kampala road, Mabirizi complex, 6th floor, Office AP05-Kampala, Uganda.