National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board has said it is accelerating efforts to modernise Uganda’s gaming industry regulation as the sector becomes increasingly driven by technology, online betting, and digital payments.
Speaking during a media roundtable in Kampala, NLGRB Chief Executive Officer Denis Mudene Ngabirano said traditional regulatory approaches are no longer sufficient to effectively supervise the rapidly evolving gaming industry.
“The future of gaming is technology-led and increasingly sophisticated,” Mudene said. “As regulators, we must equally automate our systems and strengthen monitoring capabilities to respond effectively to emerging trends.”
The regulator says one of its key priorities is expanding the use of the National Central Electronic Monitoring System (NCEMS), which enables real-time monitoring of gaming activity and operator compliance.
The system has already been integrated with the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) to improve age verification and strengthen safeguards against underage gambling.
Uganda currently maintains a legal gaming age of 25 years, one of the highest thresholds globally, which the regulator says is aimed at protecting vulnerable groups from gambling-related harm.
Mudene revealed that the Board is currently seeking amendments to existing gaming laws to better regulate online gambling, strengthen player verification systems, and align the legal framework with emerging industry realities.
According to the Board, nearly 74 percent of gaming activity shifted online following the Covid-19 pandemic, significantly changing both consumer behaviour and regulatory supervision.
Part of the proposed legal reforms includes creating clearer distinctions between online and land-based gaming licences, as well as strengthening technical standards for operators.
Mudene said Uganda has also emerged as one of Africa’s early adopters of gaming standards. In partnership with the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), the regulator has developed nine industry standards aimed at improving compliance, operational quality, and accountability.
“Uganda is among the leading countries on the continent when it comes to establishing gaming standards,” Mudene said. “We want regulation that supports innovation while also ensuring accountability and player protection.”
The regulator is also exploring ways to support local technological innovation within the gaming industry.
Mudene said proposed reforms would introduce differentiated licence fees to support Ugandan-owned gaming technology companies and encourage local software and platform development.
“We have many talented Ugandan IT professionals,” he said. “The intention is to create an environment where local innovation can participate competitively within the gaming ecosystem.”
Beyond regulation, the Board says responsible gaming remains central to its technology-led strategy.
Mudene said confidential mental health support is available through partnerships with public and private health providers for individuals struggling with gambling addiction. Treatment is offered free of charge to those enrolled.
He said affected individuals can seek confidential help through the Board’s toll-free line, 0800 285 800, which connects callers to counselling and rehabilitation services.
“Technology helps us regulate the sector, but responsible gaming is ultimately about protecting people,” Mudene said. “We want those experiencing challenges to know that support exists, and it is confidential and free.”
The gaming sector contributed shs323 billion in tax revenue during the last financial year, while the Board says shs271.6 billion had already been collected by March towards its FY2025/26 target of shs391 billion.
Uganda currently has 63 licensed gaming operators, more than 2,000 approved gaming premises, and employs approximately 23,000 people, 85 percent of whom are women.
Mudene noted that beyond tax revenue, the sector also contributes to employment, rental income, advertising, internet services, and the broader digital payments ecosystem.
Illegal gaming activity, however, remains a major challenge.
Since FY2021/22, authorities have destroyed 7,797 illegal gaming machines and blocked 23 illegal operators through collaboration with payment processors and mobile money service providers.
To strengthen nationwide oversight, the Board plans to expand from its current regional offices in Mbale, Gulu, and Mbarara to six regional offices targeting areas with high gaming activity.
Mudene said the regulator’s long-term goal is to remain ahead of changes within the industry rather than responding after the fact.
“The sector will continue evolving,” he said. “Our responsibility is to ensure regulation evolves even faster to protect the public, support responsible gaming, and enable a sustainable industry.”