Ugandans are assured of life-changing opportunities as the national lottery starts a ten-year journey.

The Prime Minister of Uganda, Robinah Nabbanja, while presiding over the official launch at Munyonyo Convention Centre in Kampala, expressed high expectations that the national lottery will avail a lot of life-changing opportunities to Ugandans and facilitate the attainment of the country’s development projections.

Chairmane Mabuza, the CEO of Ithuba Uganda takes part in the official launch of the National Lottery

Chairmane Mabuza, the CEO of Ithuba Uganda takes part in the official launch of the National Lottery

“I congratulate all those who have worked hard to realise this project especially the finance ministry, and the team from Ithuba Uganda Limited as well as the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB) who have made this launch a reality,” Nabbanja said.

She highlighted; “I am hopeful that the National Lottery shall play a crucial role in our society, contributing not only to entertainment but also to important social causes through the revenue the lottery generates that will be injected into the government. I am confident that under Ithuba, we will witness continued growth and integrity in lottery operations, benefiting our communities and the nation at large.”

The Finance Minister, Matia Kasaija in August 2023, signed the National Lottery Agreement between the Government and Ithuba Uganda Limited, jointly owned by South African and Ugandan Nationals, clearing the way for the national lottery to operate in the country for a decade.

“I would like to thank the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, other partners Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, the offices of the Attorney General and Solicitor General, the Directorate of Interpol and International Relations, Uganda Police Force, the Uganda Revenue Authority, the Uganda Registration and Services Bureau and other state agencies who have worked to realise the collaboration with Ithuba Uganda Limited,” Nabbanja said.

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja and Bob Kabonero pose for photos after the launch

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja and Bob Kabonero pose for photos after the launch

Governement officials and stakeholders of the National Lottery pictured after the official launch

Governement officials and stakeholders of the National Lottery pictured after the official launch

The government entrusted the NLGRB to ensure compliance and integrity in the gaming industry.

Nabbanja used the occasion to congratulate the state entity on the threefold revenue collections and appreciate the government's decision to retain it as an independent regulatory body.

The proceeds from the lottery should be directed towards critical sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and community support programmes for the underprivileged,” Nabbanja said.

She added; “The government of Uganda believes that the national lottery will not only significantly enhance the government's financial capacity but will also provide employment opportunities and further benefits for those who participate.”

“I have come to learn that "Ithuba" is a Zulu word that means "opportunity". Your decision to extend this opportunity to Uganda shows the spirit of Pan-Africanism,” Nabbanja said.

This was shortly after the chairman of NLGRB board of directors, Aloysius Mugasa Adyeri, informed the guests who graced the event including the deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament, key business personalities, among others, that the launch of the national lottery has ambitiously boosted the government revenue prospects from the sector.

Governement officials and stakeholders of the National Lottery pictured after the official launch

Governement officials and stakeholders of the National Lottery pictured after the official launch

He noted that in the financial year 2022/2023 the national lotteries and NLGRB generated sh151b in taxes.

The national lottery alone, he said is expected to generate annual revenue to the government of sh147b this financial year.

Mugasa added, the South African-based firm has already made an investment worth $14m (about sh52.1b).

Effective June 2024, Ithuba committed jackpots of worse sh2.5b to be worn by Ugandans above the age of 18.

Ithuba Uganda indicated that the mission of the national lottery is to boost government revenue through a portion of gross sales, including gaming tax of sh87b, and non-tax revenue of sh60b for good causes annually.

“To date, over 50,000 winners across different divisions have been paid since ticket sales started on June 1, 2024,” Charmaine Mabuza, the chief executive officer at Ithuba Uganda, said.

She added; “When our first-ever jackpot winner, Fiona, a 26-year-old mother of two, walked through the doors of Ithuba to claim her well-deserved winnings of over sh8m, her simple dream was to purchase land for her family and complete her father’s house. The impact of helping realise such dreams is deeply gratifying and underscores our mission to transform and impact the lives of the people of Uganda in meaningful ways.”

Ithuba Uganda, chairperson Bob Kabonero, commended the government for their unwavering support and guidance, particularly in ensuring they can achieve compliance and operational excellence.

“As chairman, I want to recognise the Ithuba team for their tireless efforts, and also extend my heartfelt gratitude to our partners across sectors and industries for streamlining what has at times been a convoluted process. I am honoured to be involved in bringing the national lottery to Uganda. As a citizen and patriot, I am excited by the opportunity and potential it represents for all Ugandans,” he said.

Finance Minister Matia Kasaija arrives for the launch the National Lottery

Finance Minister Matia Kasaija arrives for the launch the National Lottery

He noted that the national lottery beyond being a means with which to cultivate community development, is a catalyst and mechanism for socioeconomic transformation.

“Ithuba is determined to ensure that all regions across Uganda can participate and benefit from the national lottery. To ensure this, Ithuba has already established offices in several regions, including Kampala, Mbarara, Mbale, Gulu, and Jinja,” he said.

Deputy Speaker,Thomas Tayebwa was one of the key governement personnel who took part in the launch

Deputy Speaker,Thomas Tayebwa was one of the key governement personnel who took part in the launch

He added; “The business opportunities propagated by our presence and venture are numerous, as we rely on local suppliers and skills, and businesses. As the Lottery progresses, the employment opportunities will only grow in abundance, even as the proceeds generated from the Lottery expand the government’s capacity and opportunity; 30% of our sales will be invested back into Uganda’s socio-economic development.”

Tayebwa on his part, urged Ugandans to support the national lottery to grow rather than dismissing it as mere gambling.

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