Kasaija urges responsible gaming

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Finance Minister Matia Kasaija has urged deeper reforms and collaboration in the gaming sector to ensure responsible gambling, consumer protection and revenue growth.

While officiating at the handover ceremony of the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB) at the finance ministry last week, he applauded the outgoing Board for its transformative leadership and charged the incoming team to align regulatory actions with national development priorities.

In his keynote address, Kasaija called for strengthened cross-agency partnerships, especially with the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), Bank of Uganda (BOU), National Information Technology Authority (NITA), Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA), and National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), to enhance oversight, crack down on illegal gaming operations, and ensure real-time monitoring of activities.

“The future of regulation lies not in silos, but in strategic partnerships. A well-regulated gaming sector benefits everyone,” he said.

He emphasised the need for responsible gaming practices, especially through public education, protection of vulnerable communities, and stricter consumer safeguards.

Kasaija praised the outgoing Board and secretariat for turning what was once a chaotic sector into a modern, transparent, and credible institution.

“You have driven a transformation that has reshaped the gaming sector. You did not just preserve the status quo, you improved, multiplied, and grew the institution and its outcomes. Thank you for your integrity, diligence, and patriotism,” he said.

Under the outgoing Board’s tenure, the sector achieved several strategic milestones. Gaming revenue saw a dramatic rise from sh50.6b in the 2019/20 financial year to sh323b in 2024/25, representing over a six-fold increase.

Meanwhile, the sector’s total turnover expanded from sh500b to an estimated sh8 trillion in just three years, reflecting greater compliance, formalisation, and regulatory enforcement.

One of the key drivers of this transformation has been the introduction of the National Central Electronic Monitoring System (NCEMS), which has allowed for real-time oversight of gaming activities and improved transparency.

Additionally, NLGRB expanded its physical presence by establishing regional offices in Gulu, Mbale, and Mbarara, bringing regulatory services closer to local communities.

Non-Tax Revenue collections from the gaming industry also rose from sh1.14b in 2019/20 to sh8.79b in 2024/25, thanks to revised fee structures, enhanced licensing, and strengthened compliance measures.

Uganda also appointed its first-ever National Lottery Operator and formalised previously unlicensed gaming entities under the outgoing Board’s term.

Speaking on behalf of the new Board, chairman Kenneth Kitariko expressed gratitude for the trust placed in them and promised a leadership anchored in integrity, national service, and performance.

He praised the outgoing team for their achievements and reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive, results-driven leadership.

“Together we step into a new chapter, one that requires courage, focus, and unrelenting commitment to strategy execution,” he said.

Kitariko pledged to uphold an open-door policy and maintain dialogue with stakeholders.

“I believe that the best results in any institution are achieved through dialogue, mutual respect, and collective ownership of our market. The new Board brings together a diverse and experienced team. Chairman Kenneth Kitariko offers over 25 years of expertise in financial markets and regulatory reform, ACP Odong Mark Paul, a seasoned law enforcement officer, Legal and tax policy expert Faridah Bahemuka Murungi, Esther Akullo, known for her planning and accountability work and Sports governance leader William Blick.

Outgoing board chair Aloysius Mugasa Adyeri noted that, “As I step down from this role, I carry with me not only the satisfaction of what we have achieved, but also great optimism for what lies ahead. I remain confident that the NLGRB will continue to grow stronger and more impactful in the years to come,” he said.

NLGRB BOSS SPEAKS OUT

The chief executive officer, Denis Mudene Ngabirano, welcomed the new Board and assured them of the secretariat’s unwavering support.

“You are assuming responsibility at a time when the gaming sector is both dynamic and evolving. The expectations placed upon the Board are higher than ever, and we are confident in your abilities,” he said.

Ngabirano also noted that the smooth leadership transition reflects the Board’s institutional strength and values.

“This transition reflects the strength of our institution, one that is built on continuity, accountability, and shared purpose. As we move forward, we remain committed to ensuring that the NLGRB continues to uphold the principles of integrity, efficiency, and fairness in regulating the gaming industry for the benefit of all Ugandans.”