New Ugandan Gaming Board to Drive Oversight, Revenue, and Public Protection
Uganda has officially installed a new National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB), ushering in a fresh phase in the governance of the country’s gambling sector. The new leadership is tasked with advancing reforms, enhancing oversight, and addressing the societal risks associated with betting activities, particularly among youth.
The new board takes over from a group credited with transforming a once chaotic and opaque sector into a more regulated and transparent system. The transition was formalized during a ceremony in Kampala led by Hon. Matia Kasaija, Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, who applauded the progress made under the outgoing board.
Transitioning from Reform to Consolidation
During the handover, Hon. Kasaija expressed gratitude to the former board and its chairperson, Mr. Aloysius Mugasa Adyeri, for their role in re-establishing public trust and operational integrity within Uganda’s gaming landscape. The previous leadership, supported by CEO Denis Mudene Ngabirano and the Secretariat, was recognized for professionalizing the sector and boosting regulatory credibility.
“They did not just preserve the status quo, they improved, multiplied, and grew the institution and its outcomes,” Kasaija said in his keynote address, highlighting the strides made in responsible oversight and institutional growth.
Now, the new board—under the leadership of Kenneth Kitariko—is expected to build on that foundation. The appointees bring diverse experience from finance, law enforcement, sports, and policy, setting the stage for a governance-focused and socially responsible regulatory approach.
Diverse Expertise for a Complex Industry
Kitariko brings over 20 years of experience in financial and regulatory systems, equipping him to guide the board’s direction in alignment with international standards. William Blick, with a background in sports governance, is set to focus on safeguarding integrity in betting practices connected to athletics.
Additional board members include Esther Akullo, known for her work in accountability and strategic planning; Faridah Bahemuka Murungi, a specialist in legal frameworks and tax policy; and Assistant Commissioner of Police Odong Mark Paul, who will play a lead role in compliance and law enforcement coordination.
The composition of the board reflects a deliberate strategy to blend regulatory, legal, and public protection expertise to navigate Uganda’s fast-evolving gaming market.
Strengthening Safeguards and Revenue Collection
While regulatory control and revenue generation are key responsibilities, the new board has also been urged to prioritize player protection—particularly among young people—and to curb harmful practices within the industry. Lawmakers and government officials at the event stressed the need to combat unlicensed operators, restrict access for minors, and introduce stronger measures to address gambling addiction.
Kasaija emphasized that while the gaming sector is an important source of non-tax revenue, it also carries social responsibilities. “The Government recognises the importance of the gaming sector, not only as a source of non-tax revenue, but also in promoting responsible gaming,” he stated.
Gaming-related revenue is already being channeled into national initiatives, including funding for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) preparations. Looking ahead, the NLGRB is expected to craft new policies and work closely with operators and stakeholders to balance industry growth with public welfare.
With a fresh mandate and reform-driven agenda, the newly appointed board is now tasked with steering Uganda’s gaming sector into a more regulated, transparent, and socially conscious future.
Source:
Uganda installs new gaming board to strengthen oversight and public protection, LCB.org, August 4, 2025.