Ugandan gaming regulator joins regional forum to strengthen AML and CFT oversight
The NLGRB stated that engagement at the Arusha meeting will help refine its supervisory approach.
Uganda.- Representatives of the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB) are participating in the 51st Task Force of Senior Officials Meeting in Arusha, Tanzania, held from Monday, March 23, through Friday, March 27, 2026.
The meeting is organised by the Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group (ESAAMLG), a Financial Action Task Force (FATF)-style regional body mandated to assess and improve member countries’ compliance with global AML/CFT standards.
The forum brings together government officials, experts from member states and regional and international partners to discuss anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CFT) frameworks, as well as broader financial reforms in the region.
The Ugandan delegation is led by Senior Manager for Regulatory Compliance, Ronald Muteesaasira, and includes technical officials responsible for compliance and enforcement.
The initiative comes amid growing scrutiny of gambling markets across Africa, as regulators face pressure to address risks linked to illicit financial flows, unlicensed operators and weak compliance controls. The gambling sector, due to its cash-intensive nature and rapid digital expansion, is considered particularly vulnerable to money laundering if oversight systems are not robust.
The NLGRB stated that engagement at the Arusha meeting will help refine its supervisory approach by aligning local practices with global standards. These efforts are expected to result in enhanced risk-based supervision, more efficient reporting of suspicious transactions and strengthened coordination with financial intelligence units.
In recent years, the regulator has issued compliance guidelines for licensed operators, including mandatory adherence to know-your-customer (KYC) procedures, transaction monitoring and reporting obligations.
Outcomes from the meeting are expected to guide future policy updates in Uganda and other member states, particularly regarding enforcement frameworks and operator accountability in the gaming sector.
