Uganda gaming regulator CEO joins Africa Gaming Expo 2026 speaker list
Ngabirano will participate in discussions on innovation and governance, drawing on his background in corporate affairs and policy.
Uganda.- Denis Mudene Ngabirano, Chief Executive Officer of Uganda’s National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board, has been confirmed as a speaker at Africa Gaming Expo 2026. The event, scheduled for March 24–27 at the Eko Convention Centre in Lagos, Nigeria, brings together leaders from across Africa’s gaming and fintech sectors to discuss regulation, technology and market growth.
Ngabirano brings more than 18 years of experience in technology, regulation and digital transformation to the expo. He joined the board in 2020 as information technology manager and was promoted to CEO in September 2023. Under his leadership, the organisation has focused on transparency, responsible gaming and strengthened enforcement through data-driven strategies. He has also been instrumental in the reform of Uganda’s gaming regulations, including stricter controls on illegal operations, resulting in the seizure of more than 286 gaming machines and five arrests since July last year.
These efforts are also being felt in terms of revenue. Last week, the NLGRB reported that its total annual revenue collections have grown from Shs 17.4bn (€4.30m) in the 2019/20 financial year to to Shs 323bn (€79.78m) In 2024/2025.
The Africa Gaming Expo serves as a hub for government officials, regulators, operators and innovators. This year’s lineup includes Lagos State Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, African iGaming Alliance CEO Peter Emolemo Kesitilwe and Senegal National Lottery Chairman Moustapha Camara.
Ngabirano will participate in discussions on innovation and governance, drawing on his background in corporate affairs and policy. He has frequently emphasized the role of technology in oversight. In a recent speech at the BiG Africa Summit, Ngabirano stated: “Technology is not just a tool; it is the backbone of effective regulation in the gaming industry.” He highlighted digital systems for tracking operations and protecting players, which he sees as key to building trust in the sector.
