Uganda regulator adopts tech-led oversight as gaming revenue surges sixfold
Uganda’s National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board is strengthening digital monitoring and enforcement as gaming revenue rises.
Uganda.- Uganda’s gaming regulator is strengthening technology-driven oversight as the country’s gambling sector expands, with revenue increasing sixfold over the past five years.
As the regulator expands its technology-driven oversight, the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB) statistics show that gaming revenue increased from UGX50.6bn (€12.6m) in FY2019/20 to UGX323bn (€80.8m) in FY2024/25. NLGRB Chief Executive Officer Denis Mudene said: “In recent years, the NLGRB has deliberately repositioned itself as a technology-led regulator.”
A central part of the regulator’s strategy is the use of digital monitoring systems to oversee licensed operators. Mudene added: “A key pillar of this approach is the National Central Electronic Monitoring System (NCEMS), which provides centralised oversight of licensed operators.”
He noted that the system improves “tax compliance, operational transparency, and enforcement of responsible gaming standards”.
Regulation and enforcement
The regulator has also introduced strengthened player protection measures as part of its evolving regulatory framework. Mudene said the measures would “significantly enhance player protection”, citing mandatory responsible gaming messages, strict age-verification requirements and the introduction of self-exclusion and restricted persons registers.
However, he acknowledged challenges linked to offshore operators and digital advertising. Mudene said: “The main obstacle to effective player channelisation in Uganda’s gaming industry remains the borderless nature of online advertising.”
He added that offshore operators can reach Ugandan players while bypassing consumer protection standards, tax obligations and responsible gaming requirements.
Alongside digital oversight, the regulator has also carried out enforcement operations targeting illegal gaming machines. Recent action included Operation Mashine Haramu, an enforcement operation conducted with police following reports of increased illegal activity.
