A web address ending in .ug tells every visitor, at a glance, that you are a Ugandan business, school or organisation. If you have been wondering how to register a .ug domain, the good news is that the process is short and most of it can be done from your phone in one sitting.
Why choose a .ug domain?
A .ug address is Uganda's country code domain. It is not compulsory, and plenty of local businesses use .com, but it brings some real advantages:
- Local trust. Customers in Kampala, Jinja or Fort Portal immediately see that you are based here.
- Better availability. Short, memorable names that were taken years ago on .com are often still free on .ug.
- Local search signals. A country code domain is one of several signals that can help search engines understand that your site serves people in Uganda.
- Category options. Second level extensions such as .co.ug, .or.ug and .ac.ug tell people what kind of organisation you are.
Understanding the different .ug extensions
Before you search, decide which extension fits you. The common options are:
- .ug: the short, direct version, open to most applicants.
- .co.ug: traditionally used by companies and commercial businesses.
- .or.ug: for non-profit organisations, NGOs, community groups and associations.
- .ac.ug: for academic institutions such as universities and tertiary colleges.
- .sc.ug: for schools.
- .go.ug: reserved for government bodies.
- .ne.ug: for network and internet service providers.
Some of these categories, especially .ac.ug, .sc.ug and .go.ug, ask for supporting documents to prove you qualify. Your registrar will tell you exactly what is required, so ask before you pay.
The registration process step by step
Step 1: Choose a strong name
A good domain name is easy to say over the phone and easy to type on a small keyboard. When choosing:
- Keep it short, ideally under 15 characters.
- Avoid hyphens and numbers that people may get wrong when they hear the name spoken.
- Use your business name if possible, or your main service plus your town (for example, mukonoplumbers.ug).
- Say it out loud to a friend and ask them to write it down. If they spell it differently, consider a simpler option.
- Check that the same name is free on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X so your brand is consistent everywhere.
Step 2: Check availability with an accredited registrar
The .ug registry does not usually sell directly to the public in the way a shop does. Instead, you buy through an accredited registrar or a hosting company that works with one. Visit the registrar's website, type your preferred name into the domain search box and see which extensions are free.
If your first choice is taken, try small variations, a different extension, or add a word that describes what you do. Avoid names that are very close to a well-known brand, because that can lead to disputes later.
Step 3: Prepare your details
Registration asks for contact details for the domain owner. Have these ready:
- Full name of the owner, or the registered name of your company or organisation.
- A physical address in Uganda or abroad.
- An email address you check regularly. Renewal reminders and important notices will go here.
- A working phone number.
- Any supporting documents required for restricted extensions, such as a letter from your school or institution.
Important: register the domain in your own name or your organisation's name, not the name of your web designer or a staff member who might leave. The registrant is the legal holder of the domain.
Step 4: Pay and confirm
Add the domain to your cart and choose a registration period. Many registrars allow one year or several years at once. Paying for more than one year protects you from accidentally losing the name if a renewal is missed.
Ask the registrar which payment methods they accept. Mobile Money, bank transfer and card are common in Uganda. Prices for .ug domains differ between registrars and can change, so compare the current first year and renewal prices on each registrar's website before you decide. Keep your receipt and invoice, as these can help prove ownership if there is ever a dispute.
Point the domain to your hosting
Once the domain is registered, it needs to know where your website and email live. This is done with nameservers or DNS records.
- Log in to your registrar account and find the domain's management page.
- Look for a section called Nameservers or DNS.
- Enter the nameservers given to you by your hosting provider. They usually look like ns1.yourhost.com and ns2.yourhost.com.
- Save the changes.
Changes can take a few hours to spread across the internet, and occasionally up to a day or two. During that time, some people may still see the old setting. This is normal and is called DNS propagation.
Protect and maintain your domain
Registering is only the beginning. To keep your domain safe for years:
- Turn on auto renewal if your registrar offers it, and keep your payment details up to date.
- Set a calendar reminder a month before the expiry date as a backup.
- Use a strong password and two-factor authentication on your registrar account.
- Keep contact details current. If your email address changes and you miss renewal notices, the domain can expire and someone else could register it.
- Lock the domain against unauthorised transfers if your registrar supports a transfer lock.
Set up email on your new domain
One of the best reasons to own a .ug domain is professional email. An address such as sales@yourshop.ug looks far more trustworthy on an invoice or a business card than a free webmail address, and it stays with the business even when staff change.
- In your hosting control panel, open the Email Accounts section and create the addresses you need, for example info, sales and accounts.
- Make sure the domain's MX records point to your mail server. If you used your host's nameservers, this is usually done for you automatically.
- Add the accounts to your phone using the settings your host provides.
- Send a test message to a Gmail address and back to confirm everything works.
Ask your host about SPF, DKIM and DMARC records too. They help your messages land in the inbox rather than the spam folder.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a registered company to get a .ug domain?
Not for every extension. Individuals can generally register a plain .ug name. Category extensions such as .co.ug, .ac.ug and .sc.ug may ask for proof that you fit the category. Check the current rules with your registrar.
Can I transfer my .ug domain to another registrar?
Usually yes. You will need to unlock the domain and request an authorisation code (sometimes called an EPP code) from your current registrar, then start the transfer with the new one.
What happens if my domain expires?
Your website and email stop working. There is often a short grace period during which you can renew, but after that the name may be released for anyone to register. Renew early to avoid this risk.
Can I use a .ug domain for email only?
Yes. Many organisations register a domain mainly for professional email such as info@yourname.ug and add a website later.
Registering a .ug domain is a quick, affordable way to give your business a clear Ugandan identity online. Pick a simple name, register it in the right name, point it to reliable hosting and keep an eye on renewals. Baasa Cloud can help you search for a .ug name and connect it to hosting and business email in one place if you would like support.