In Uganda, any adult who wishes to legally change their name can do so through the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) or the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB). The process is governed by the Births and Deaths Registration Act, which outlines the legal framework for name changes.
Changing your name allows you to officially update your identity records on documents such as your National ID, passport, academic certificates, and bank accounts. However, the process must follow due legal procedure to ensure validity and prevent fraudulent intent.
Procedure for Changing Your Name in Uganda
- Visit NIRA or URSB offices
Go to the nearest NIRA or URSB office with all the required documents and the prescribed fees. - Request and fill the application form
Ask for the Notification of Change of Name Form, read the instructions carefully, and fill in your details accurately. The form can also be accessed from authorized offices or their official website. - Submit the required documents
Present all the supporting documents to the attending officer for verification. If your information is correct and complete, the documents will be processed and forwarded to the Commissioner for Oaths for approval. - Publish a legal notice in a newspaper
Once the Commissioner for Oaths accepts your application, you must publish a legal notice in a recognized local or national newspaper to publicly announce your intention to change your name. - Wait for seven days
After publication, wait at least seven (7) days before proceeding with the next step. This waiting period allows for any legal objections or clarifications. - Apply to the registrar
Submit your formal application to the Registrar of Births and Deaths in the district where your birth was registered. The registrar will review your documents, confirm the legal notice, and verify compliance with all requirements. - Register and amend the records
If all details are satisfactory and the prescribed fee is paid, the registrar will amend the register, updating your new name and issuing a certificate of name change duly signed and dated.
Required Documents
To complete the change of name process, you must present:
- A letter of introduction from a responsible person (e.g., doctor, lawyer, priest, or MP).
- A copy of the newspaper advertisement announcing the name change.
- A statutory declaration confirming your intention to abandon your old name and adopt a new one.
- A Name Change Affidavit duly sworn before a Commissioner for Oaths.
Eligibility
The following individuals are eligible to apply for a change of name in Uganda:
- Ugandan citizens aged 21 years and above.
- Married persons, divorced individuals, widows, or widowers.
- Parents or legal guardians applying to change the name of a minor under 21 years.
Fees
- Official fee: UGX 5,000
- Payment is made directly at the NIRA or URSB office at the time of application.
Processing Time
The name change process takes approximately five (5) weeks if all documents and information are complete and verified.
Validity of the Certificate
Once issued, the Name Change Certificate is valid indefinitely and serves as permanent legal proof of your new identity.
Contact Information
Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB)
Uganda Business Facilitation Centre
Plot 1, Baskerville Avenue, Kololo, Kampala
Toll-Free: 0800 100 006
Call Center: +256 417 338 100
Phone: +256 414 233 219 / +256 417 338 000
Fax: +256 414 250 712
Email: [email protected] / [email protected]
Website: ursb.go.ug
Instructions
Change of Name for Adults
Any adult aged 21 years or above—including widows, widowers, divorcees, or married individuals—must:
- Publish a notice of name change in the Uganda Gazette using the prescribed form.
- Wait at least seven (7) days after publication before applying to the registrar.
- The registrar, upon verifying compliance and payment of fees, will amend the birth register and issue the certificate.
Change of Name for Children
Parents or legal guardians can apply to change the name of a child under 21 years by submitting a written request to the Registrar of Births and Deaths. Upon payment of the prescribed fee, the child’s name will be amended in the birth register.
Required Information
Applicants must provide the following details:
- Current birth name and proposed new name.
- Date of birth and citizenship details.
- Valid proof of identity (National ID, passport, or birth certificate).
- Residential address, phone number, and email.
- Occupation and reason for changing the name.
Purpose of the Name Change Certificate
The Name Change Certificate serves as legal proof that a person has officially adopted a new name. It is required when updating identity information on official records such as:
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Educational documents
- Property titles and deeds
- National IDs and passports
- Bank accounts and insurance policies
Important Notes
You may legally change your name to almost any name, but there are restrictions. You cannot:
- Change your name to avoid debt or criminal liability.
- Choose a name intended to deceive, impersonate, or defraud others.
- Use numerals, symbols, or punctuation as part of your name.
- Select obscene, offensive, or intimidating names.
- Adopt names of famous individuals unless justified and unrelated to impersonation.
