





Chief Guest Dr. Mary Teopista (Center), Amb. Francis Butagira, Registrar General Ms. Mercy K. Kainobwisho and URSB board members pose for a photo at the URSB ISO Certification External Stakeholders celebration
Hon. Nobert Mao congratulates the Registrar General, Ms. Mercy K. Kainobwisho, and Board member, Ms. Lydia A. Sekkabira on the ISO 9001:2015 certification milestone
Mr. Hamidu Tumuhimbise, a senior Registration Officer, attends to a client during the UEB claimants exercise at the Uganda Business Facilitation Center, Kololo
A delegation from PACRA led by the Deputy Registrar Mr. Chewe Peter Chilufya (Center) visited URSB for a 3 days benchmarking visit on the Intellectual Property Registry on how systems operate, the digital improvements implemented and how these reforms contribute to reduced turnaround time
A delegation from UNOC visits URSB to benchmark on the Digital Transformation Journey.
Director General WIPO Mr. Daren Tang, Minister of Justice Hon. Nobert Mao, The Registrar General Ms. Mercy K. Kainobwisho, URSB Board members a delegation from WIPO pause for a photo at the Uganda Business Facilitation Center during the DG’s mission to Uganda

URSB field visit promotes Mukono vanilla using Geographical Indications
A team from the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) recently conducted a field visit to promote Mukono Vanilla through Geographical Indications (GI), engaging with members of the Board of Mukono Vanilla Spices and Horticultural Cooperative Society. The society, which holds the certification mark for Mukono Vanilla, aims to protect and promote the unique qualities of vanilla grown in the region.
The visit, held on 18th February 2025, at the society’s factory in Kisoga, Mukono, provided an opportunity for the URSB team to discuss how Geographical Indications can enhance the visibility and marketability of Mukono Vanilla.
By officially recognising the region’s unique vanilla, the society hopes to differentiate its product, increase value, and ensure that only locally produced vanilla can carry the Mukono certification mark.
The engagement was part of efforts to raise awareness about the importance of GI for local farmers and producers. By protecting the identity of Mukono Vanilla, the society aims to encourage sustainable agricultural practices while also boosting the local economy.
Participants in the meeting expressed enthusiasm for the future of Mukono Vanilla, recognising its potential to gain wider recognition both locally and internationally through the use of Geographical Indications. The visit highlighted the importance of collaboration in promoting regional products and promoting economic growth.