Uganda lotteries and gaming board sees surge in annual revenue
Since the Board’s establishment in 2015/16, total annual revenue collections have expanded from Shs 17.4bn to Shs 323bn.
Uganda.- The National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB) has reported a significant rise in its annual non-tax revenue collections, driven by strengthened compliance systems, improved licensing and revised fee structures.
In a meeting with the Finance Committee of Parliament last week, acting Executive Director Bernard Winyi said that non-tax revenues surged from Shs 1.14bn (€281,580) in the 2019/20 financial year to Shs 8.79bn (€2.17m) in 2024/25, an eightfold increase. He attributed the growth to regulatory reforms and enhanced oversight mechanisms.
Winyi also highlighted broader improvements across the gaming sector. Since the Board’s establishment in 2015/16, total annual revenue collections have expanded from Shs 17.4bn (€4.30m) to Shs 323bn (€79.78m) by the end of the 2024/25 financial year.
A key factor underpinning this performance, Winyi said, is the introduction of the National Central Electronic Monitoring System (NCEMS), which has increased visibility into gambling activities previously reliant on operator self-reporting. Following its rollout, the value of stakes recorded jumped from Shs 2.4tn (€592.8m) in 2022/23 to Shs 8.3tn (€2.05bn) in 2024/25, with projections reaching Shs 14.1tn (€3.48bn) in the current 2025/26 financial year.
During the first half of 2025/26, the Board reported revenue collections of Shs 176.7bn (€43.62m), aiming to reach Shs 391bn (€96.52m) by the end of the fiscal year. Winyi said the NLGRB plans to use its 2026/27 budget to target a further 15 per cent rise in gaming revenues.
Parliamentarians welcomed the performance, with Otuke County MP Paul Omara praising the Board’s efforts and pledging to advocate for increased budgetary support. However, Sheema Municipality MP Dicksons Kateshumbwa raised concerns over the proliferation of illicit gaming machines and questioned the Board’s capacity to enforce regulations effectively. He urged closer collaboration with local government leaders to identify and curb illegal operations.
Winyi acknowledged challenges in monitoring illicit devices, noting that many are imported covertly and disguised as other goods. He said the Board is working with the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) customs team to improve detection at entry points.
