The newly established Uganda National Lottery and Gaming Regulatory Authority (NLGA) has now commenced its operations, with the legislative body demanding that the department focus on addressing the social issues caused by gambling. The authority was officially established during an inauguration ceremony held in the capital, Kampala, and will be fully responsible for the supervision and management of domestic lottery and various gambling businesses.
Officials present at the event pointed out that regulatory work should not be limited to issuing licenses and administrative penalties. Several representatives specifically mentioned the increasingly prominent issue of youth gambling addiction, suggesting that public health protection should be a core focus of the authority's work. Parliamentary members emphasized that the regulatory body must balance market order maintenance with consumer rights protection.
The representative from the Ministry of Finance, who attended the inauguration, stated that the establishment of this authority aims to regulate and strengthen the national oversight of the gambling industry. The Minister of Finance, Matia Kasaija, during the unveiling of the new board members, stated: "The government values both the non-tax revenue from the gambling industry and its social responsibility in promoting responsible gambling."
It is noteworthy that Uganda has allocated a portion of gambling tax revenue for the preparation of the 2027 African Nations Cup. Despite the continuous expansion of the gambling industry, issues such as underage gambling, illegal operations, and negative social impacts have prompted the government to strengthen regulatory efforts. The authority plans to introduce new regulations, establishing a comprehensive management system that considers both market norms and consumer protection through collaboration with various stakeholders.
