Uganda’s Finance Minister, Hon. Matia Kasaija, has commended the outgoing Board and Management of the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB) for their transformative leadership that turned Uganda’s gaming sector into one of the country’s most progressive and compliant industries.
Speaking at the official handover ceremony in Kampala, Kasaija hailed the outgoing team, led by Chairman Aloysius Mugasa Adyeri and CEO Mr. Denis Mudene Ngabirano, for overseeing a period of exponential growth and reform.
“The Board was entrusted with a responsibility to transform the gaming sector. They didn’t just preserve the status quo—they multiplied, improved, and built an institution of integrity,” said Kasaija.
Under the outgoing Board, Uganda’s annual gaming revenue grew over sixfold—from shs 50.6 billion in FY2019/20 to shs 323 billion in FY2024/25.
Sector turnover also rose dramatically, expanding from shs 500 billion in 2021/22 to shs 8 trillion in 2024/25, a figure that reflects growing compliance, increased formalisation, and robust oversight.
The outgoing Board’s tenure was marked by key achievements including:
Rollout of the National Central Electronic Monitoring System (NCEMS), which enhanced digital regulation and transparency;
Appointment of Ithuba Uganda Ltd as the first National Lottery Operator;
Formalisation and licensing of previously illegal gaming operators;
Opening of regional offices in Gulu, Mbale, and Mbarara, extending regulatory services to local communities;
Growth in Non-Tax Revenue (NTR) collections from shs 1.14 billion to shs 8.79 billion, due to improved licensing frameworks and enforcement.
Mr. Adyeri, in his farewell remarks, expressed pride in the Board’s accomplishments and optimism for the future.
“We’ve laid a strong foundation. I leave with satisfaction and confidence that the NLGRB will grow stronger under new leadership.”
New Board Takes the Helm
The incoming Board, chaired by financial expert Mr. Kenneth Kitariko, was officially inaugurated during the same event. The new team brings a wealth of cross-sectoral expertise intended to navigate the increasingly digital and complex gaming environment.
Other new Board members include:
ACP Odong Mark Paul, a seasoned law enforcement officer;
Ms. Faridah Bahemuka Murungi, a legal and tax policy expert;
Ms. Esther Akullo, a public sector planning and accountability specialist;
Mr. William Blick, an international sports governance professional.
Kasaija expressed confidence in the team’s ability to guide the sector to greater heights.
“This Board’s collective expertise in governance, law, tax, enforcement, and sports is precisely what’s needed to steer the sector forward.”
Mr. Kitariko pledged an open-door policy and leadership rooted in dialogue and results.
“We will regulate with integrity, expand fiscal contribution, and protect Ugandans from the risks of gaming. I thank the Minister and look forward to working with CEO Mr. Ngabirano and the Secretariat.”
Strategic Alignment
Kasaija challenged the new Board to align its mandate with Uganda’s key development pillars: the Domestic Revenue Mobilisation Strategy, the 10X Economic Growth Vision, and the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV). He emphasized responsible gaming, cross-government collaboration, and leveraging technology to seal revenue leakages.
CEO Ngabirano reaffirmed institutional continuity and pledged full support.
“This transition shows our institutional strength. We remain committed to integrity, efficiency, and fairness in service of all Ugandans.”
