Uganda Gambling Board opens 2026 licence renewals with strict rules for operators
NLGRB enforces strict compliance as operators submit licence renewal applications for 2026, with new games and casinos facing heightened scrutiny.
Uganda.- The National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB), Uganda’s gambling board, officially opened the application period for 2026 gaming and lottery licence renewals on October 3, giving operators until October 31, 2025, to submit their applications via the e-licensing platform.
Operators introducing new games and casinos will face heightened scrutiny under strict regulatory rules, reinforcing existing compliance requirements under Uganda’s Lotteries and Gaming Act, 2016, the Board said, emphasising the importance of adherence from the start.
In an official notice, the Board signalled tighter oversight for high-profile operators, stating: “Operators introducing new games must submit game rules, while casinos have additional obligations, including registration as accountable persons with the Financial Intelligence Authority and submission of annual Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) compliance reports.”
The NLGRB also warned that enforcement will be strict. “Only complete applications will be evaluated. False documentation will lead to automatic disqualification and prosecution,” the regulator said.
Strict compliance for 2026 renewals
The Board’s notice states that renewing operators are required to submit key documents including tax clearance certificates, good conduct certificates for directors and shareholders, audited financial statements, annual returns, business plans for 2026 including corporate social responsibility initiatives and employee training plans.
Operators must also obtain certification from the National Information Technology Authority – Uganda (NITA-U) to ensure their data collection and processing systems comply with national IT and security standards.
Franchisees must provide additional documentation, including certificates of incorporation, memoranda and articles of association, franchise agreements, lists of declared premises and any electronic gaming machines (EGMs) that must be connected to the National Central Electronic Monitoring System (NCEMS) so the regulator can track their operation and ensure compliance.
Key employees must submit good conduct certificates, employment contracts, academic qualifications (including CPA for CFOs), statements of competence and proof of relevant experience.
Machine and software providers are required to submit authorisation letters, machine lists, software versions, user manuals, certification documents and data protection/privacy policies, ensuring operators’ systems meet regulatory standards.
All licensed premises will undergo pre-licensing inspections, including a minimum 30m² size, secure facilities, prevention of minors’ access, accessibility, display of licences and responsible gaming messages, and locations at least 100 meters from schools, markets, and places of worship.
The NLGRB confirmed all applications will be processed within 60 days, urging operators to submit early. By emphasising strict rules and enhanced scrutiny for new games and casinos, the regulator aims to protect players, ensure transparency and support continued growth in Uganda’s gaming sector.
