for early access to the latest igaming videos!
and get the latest igaming news first!
Uganda’s Principal Judge, Jane Frances Abodo, has praised the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board for its role in regulating the country’s gambling sector.
Her remarks came during Uganda’s third National Court Open Day, held on September 10 at Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala. The NLGRB, which hosted her at its exhibition, said it was honoured by her visit and noted that she commended “NGLRB Uganda for its efforts in regulating the gaming sector,” adding that her words reinforced the importance of awareness in protecting the public and enforcing the law.
The event, themed “Delivering Inclusive, Efficient and Effective Justice,” brought together 88 exhibitors from the Judiciary and other justice institutions.
It was designed to give the public direct access to these bodies, allowing citizens to engage and provide feedback on how justice is delivered. At its stand, the NLGRB explained gaming laws, licensing requirements, compliance measures, and responsible gambling practices, while also highlighting its role in shielding the public from the harmful effects of gaming.
This was the third edition of the National Court Open Day, following the second in December 2025, which also focused on public engagement around licensing, compliance, responsible gambling, and consumer protection.
Uganda regulator continues to engage with industry
The comments came in the same week as Africa’s first Safer Gambling Week, held from September 7–11, where Uganda joined regulators and organisations in supporting the #PlaySafeAfrica campaign on responsible gambling and player protection.
It also followed a meeting between the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board and the Uganda Revenue Authority, where licensed operators were briefed on how the new 15% withholding tax on betting and gaming winnings will be enforced.
The measure, introduced under Section 131 of the Income Tax (Amendment) Act, 2026, requires operators to deduct the tax from winnings, calculated as the difference between payout and stake, though National Lottery prizes remain exempt.
NLGRB Chief Executive Denis Mudene stressed the importance of cooperation, saying: “Licensed operators continue to make an important contribution to Uganda’s economy through tax revenues, employment, investment and innovation. It is therefore essential that government, regulators and industry engage openly and candidly on how new policies are implemented.”
Mudene explained that the regulator and URA are working to build a compliant and sustainable sector, aiming for a framework that secures government revenue while allowing the industry to grow. He added: “We are committed to creating a practical, sustainable and consistent policy, regulatory and operating environment that benefits all parties.”
This latest engagement fits into Uganda’s broader push for a unified gambling framework. Earlier amendments set a single 30% tax rate for both betting and gaming, reflecting the government’s view that the two activities should be treated alike as online gambling expands.
Revenues have surged, with gaming tax collections rising from UGX194 billion in FY2023/24 to UGX368.02 billion in FY2025/26, while compliance rates improved from 68% to 79% in just one year.
