Uganda's gambling industry is experiencing unprecedented rapid growth. According to data released by the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB), the total gaming revenue for the fiscal year 2024/25 reached 323 billion Ugandan shillings (approximately $90.2 million), a more than sixfold increase from 50.6 billion shillings (approximately $14.1 million) in the fiscal year 2019/20, indicating a strong industry expansion trend.
The total amount of betting also significantly increased, from 500 billion shillings in the fiscal year 2021/22 to 8 trillion shillings ($2.24 billion) in the fiscal year 2024/25. Meanwhile, non-tax revenue from licenses, fines, etc., also rose from 1.14 billion shillings to 87.9 billion shillings, nearly an eightfold increase.
This achievement is widely attributed to the outgoing leadership of the NLGRB, whose key initiatives included implementing the National Central Electronic Monitoring System (NCEMS), regulating unlicensed operators, and successfully introducing Ithuba Uganda as the national lottery operator.
At the swearing-in ceremony of the new board, the Minister of Finance, Matia Kasaija, highly praised the reform achievements of the former board chairman Adyeri and CEO Ngabirano. He stated that the gambling industry has now become a compliant, formal, and sustainable contributor to fiscal revenue.
The new board is led by Kenneth Kitariiko, who has a background in regulatory and sports governance, with the vice-chairman being William Bulek, a well-known figure in the international sports circle. The government expects them to continue the reform momentum and further promote the healthy development of the industry.
