Uganda’s Gaming Watchdog Seeks Balance Between Market Growth and Public Interest
UGANDA– Chief Executive Officer of the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB), Denis Mudene Ngabirano has outlined a vision for a gaming sector that promotes industry growth while prioritizing consumer protection, regulatory accountability, and responsible gambling.
Ngabirano emphasized that effective regulation should not focus solely on penalizing non-compliant operators but should also create a stable and predictable environment that supports investment and innovation within the gaming industry.
According to Ngabirano, regulatory decisions must be guided by the law and the public interest, particularly when competing stakeholder interests arise. He noted that transparency, fairness, and consistency are essential for building trust among operators and strengthening confidence in the regulatory system.
He also highlighted the growing role of technology in modern gaming oversight, stating that digital tools should be leveraged to support evidence-based decision-making, improve regulatory efficiency, and strengthen market monitoring capabilities.
Consumer protection, he said, must remain at the heart of Uganda’s expanding gaming sector. Ngabirano also warned against gambling becoming a substitute for employment or encouraging individuals to spend money intended for essential household needs. He stressed the need for increased public awareness campaigns to educate players about gambling-related risks, responsible spending practices, and self-exclusion mechanisms, particularly as mobile betting platforms become more accessible.
The NLGRB has continued to intensify its consumer protection efforts. Between the 2023/24 and 2025/26 financial years, the Board received 125 consumer complaints involving approximately UGX266 billion (US$62.7 million) and successfully resolved 112 cases, representing a resolution rate of 90.5 percent. During the 2025/26 financial year, 32 individuals identified as problem gamblers received counseling support, while 16,811 players voluntarily enrolled in self-exclusion programs.
Ngabirano further emphasized the importance of institutional accountability, noting that regulators should uphold the same standards of transparency and responsibility expected of licensed operators. He also called for stronger collaboration between government agencies, operators, and other stakeholders to address illegal gambling activities and emerging industry risks.
Looking ahead, he said his long-term goal is to build a regulator with strong systems, capable personnel, and sustainable processes that will continue to serve the industry effectively beyond his tenure.
