Wellness With Her Club

By Thea Martha Bateeze cc: COMMUNITY NOTES

In Uganda and in any other country really, registering a business is a critical step in securing legitimacy and long-term success. It grants access to financial systems, builds customer trust, and positions you for growth opportunities. But beyond the technicalities lies a journey full of unexpected hurdles and costs. When we embarked on registering Wellness With Her (also SQY Wellness Foundation), I realized the process wasn’t just about ticking boxes; it was overwhelming, scary, and filled with gaps in information that no one really prepares you for. ( Yes even your Bachelor’s Degree in Administration)

As Chief of Operations for Wellness With Her, I was stepping into unfamiliar territory. Unlike some people who have parental guidance on starting a business, my dad has always believed in us figuring things out on our own, even with consulting him. And of course, when things get tough, he simply says in Lusoga, “Ni bino ebintu byembakoba” loosely translating to- “These are the things I always tell you.” Okay that was always frustrating. In other words, life will teach you lessons whether you’re ready or not. There was no I’m just a girl mentality. If you want to make something of yourself, you had to hustle like everyone else.

Starting a business is like eating an elephant, you take it one bite at a time. Baby steps matter. And in my case, every step was a lesson in patience, resilience, and the hidden costs that no one ever talks about.

So let’s shed some light on this process-

1. Common Registration Steps for New Businesses

The registration process in Uganda involves several key steps:

• Name Search and Reservation: Checking for uniqueness and securing your business name.
• Filing Paperwork: Completing registration forms with details about your business type and operations.
• Obtaining a Tax Identification Number (TIN): Mandatory for tax compliance.
• Securing Licenses and Permits: Depending on your business, this may involve additional layers of approval.

At first, these steps seemed straightforward, but once I got into the process, I realized how complex and time-consuming they could be, especially for a first-time entrepreneur.

2. Challenges I Faced While Registering Wellness with Her

Registering Wellness with Her took five months, all because of one glitch on the online system. A single unresolved button delayed the entire process, and it took relentless WhatsApp follow-ups to finally get it sorted.

Then came the issue of the business name. Apparently, Wellness with Her was too long a sentence and needed something to “identify it” (whatever that meant!). After much back and forth, we finally settled on SQY Wellness Foundation, which worked, but not without frustration.

Beyond these hurdles, I also realized how little guidance was available for new business owners. The system expects you to know everything, yet many of us are figuring it out as we go.

3. The Hidden Costs of Business Registration

The biggest shock was the cost implications. No one tells you how much registering a business truly costs until you start adding up the little fees:

• Name Search and Reservation Fees
• Filing Fees for Registration
• TIN Application Costs (if processed through an agent)
• Licensing and Compliance Fees
• Digital Service Charges for Online Payments
• Printing, Photocopying, and Transport Costs for paperwork

At first, these seem like small amounts, but when stretched over months, they pile up into a significant financial burden, especially for a young entrepreneur.

4. Tips for Streamlining the Process and Managing Costs

• Take Baby Steps: Don’t let the process intimidate you. Start with research, then tackle one step at a time.
• Budget Wisely: Account for both direct fees and hidden expenses so you’re not caught off guard.
• Leverage Online Platforms: While they come with service charges, they save transport costs and unnecessary trips.
• Stay Persistent: Follow up regularly, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Bureaucracy moves slowly unless you keep pushing.

Registering a business isn’t just about paperwork, it’s about resilience. There will be delays, unexpected costs, and moments of frustration. But every step you take is a lesson. My journey with Wellness with Her (SQY Wellness Foundation) taught me that starting a business is like hustling your way through the unknown. You can’t sit back and say, “I’m just a girl.” You have to get out there, figure things out, and push through, because no one will do it for you.

So, to all the young entrepreneurs out there, don’t let the system scare you. Take the first step. Keep going, especially when it gets tough. These are the lessons that shape us. Share with me in the comments what the process felt like for you.