To apply for a Certificate to operate a Village Saving and Loans Association (Village Bank, VSLAs) in Uganda, you’ll need to follow specific procedures depending on whether you register as an association with the district commercial officer or as a non-governmental organization (NGO) with the NGO Bureau Board. Here’s a detailed guide for each option:
Option 1: Registering as an Association with the District Commercial Officer
- Group Formation:
- Form a group of self-supporting members interested in promoting savings and providing efficient lending opportunities within the community.
- Visit the District Commercial Officer:
- Contact the District Commercial Officer’s office in your district.
- Obtain an application form from the officer.
- Fill Out the Application:
- Complete the application form with the names and signatures of all group members.
- Attach photocopies of each member’s National Identification Card (ID).
- Verification and Approval:
- The District Commercial Officer will verify the names against the National ID cards.
- If all requirements are met and verified, the officer will issue a Certificate of Operation to the group.
- Bank Account Opening:
- With the Certificate of Operation, the group can open a group bank account with any bank of their choice.
- Start operations according to the rules and objectives set by the group.
Option 2: Registering as an NGO with the NGO Bureau Board
- Preparation of Documents:
- Prepare the following documents:
- Covering letter addressed to the Executive Director of the National Bureau for NGOs.
- Registered constitution or memorandum and articles of association.
- Organizational chart.
- Certificate of incorporation and valid permit to operate as an NGO from the NGO Bureau.
- Certificate of good conduct from LC1 (Local Council 1).
- List of group members (village group) and their National Identification cards.
- Recommendation letters from LC1, LC2, LC3, RDC, Ministry of Internal Affairs, a law firm, an existing NGO, District NGO supervisory committee, and individuals.
- One-year plan of operation, operational report (if already operational), budget, source of funding, and minutes of membership meetings.
- Prepare the following documents:
- Submission to NGO Bureau Board:
- Submit three copies of the above documents to the NGO Bureau Board for further processing.
- The NGO Bureau Board convenes monthly to review applications.
- Approval Process:
- The NGO Bureau Board will approve the NGO registration, typically within a few months, provided all requirements are met.
- If approved, the NGO will receive a certificate of registration from the NGO Bureau.
- Operational Commencement:
- With the NGO certificate, the registered NGO can proceed to open a group bank account and commence operations as a Village Saving and Loans Association.
Important Information
- Fees: Registration fees include Ugandan Shillings 200,000 for NGO registration and UShs. 20,000 for district registration.
- Validity: Certificates issued under both options are valid for one year, expiring on 31st December annually.
Contact Information
- Uganda Microfinance Regulatory Authority (UMRA)
- Address: Rwenzori Towers, Block B, Ground Floor, Plot 6 Nakasero Road, Kampala, Uganda
- Call: +256 417 799 700
- Toll-free: 0800 111 449
- Email: [email protected]
- Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB)
- Address: Uganda Business Facilitation Centre, Plot 1 Baskerville Avenue, Kololo, Kampala
- Toll-free: 0800 100 006
- Call Center: +256 417 338 100
- Email: [email protected], [email protected]
Additional Notes
- Ensure all documents are accurately filled and comply with the requirements specified.
- Regularly check with respective offices for any updates or changes in the registration process.
This guide should assist you in successfully registering and obtaining a certificate to operate a Village Saving and Loans Association (Village Bank, VSLAs) in Uganda.
