The National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB) has ushered in a new era of leadership following the official inauguration of a new Board, presided over by the Hon. Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Matia Kasaija.
During the handover ceremony, Minister Kasaija paid glowing tribute to the outgoing Board, chaired by Mr. Aloysius Mugasa Adyeri, for its pivotal role in reforming Uganda’s gaming sector. The Minister described the transformation as one that turned “a once chaotic sector into a modern, transparent, and credible regulatory body.”
“Together with CEO Denis Mudene and the Secretariat, you have driven a transformation that has reshaped the gaming sector,” he noted.
Mr. Mugasa, now Chairman Emeritus, reflected on the Board’s journey with pride and optimism:
“As I step down from this role, I carry with me not only the satisfaction of what we have achieved but also great optimism for what lies ahead. I remain confident that the NLGRB will continue to grow stronger and more impactful in the years to come.”
Key Achievements Under Mr. Mugasa’s Tenure
Mr. Mugasa’s term as Chair has been widely credited with strengthening regulation, boosting revenues, and instilling public trust in the gaming industry. Among his landmark achievements are:
- A sixfold increase in revenue, growing from UGX 50.6 billion in FY 2019/20 to UGX 323 billion by June 2025.
- Deployment of the National Central Electronic Monitoring System (NCEMS), a transformative tool for real-time oversight of gaming operations.
- Formalisation of previously illegal operators, bringing more players into the regulated economy.
- Successful onboarding of Uganda’s National Lottery Operator, Ithuba Uganda Limited, marking a milestone in national gaming infrastructure.
- Institutional resilience through the government’s Rationalisation of Agencies and Public Expenditure (RAPEX) framework.
Incoming Board: Strategic Continuity and New Energy
The Minister congratulated the incoming Board, now chaired by Mr. Kenneth Kitariko, calling their appointment “a collective strategic investment.” The new Board brings together a diverse mix of professional backgrounds, including:
- Mr. Kenneth Kitariko – Capital markets and regulatory governance
- Ms. Esther Akullo – Public sector accountability and planning
- Mr. William Blick – Global sports governance and stakeholder engagement
- ACP Odong Mark Paul – Compliance, enforcement, and public safety
- Ms. Faridah Bahemuka – Legal, tax policy, and private sector experience
Their appointment is expected to ensure continuity while ushering in a fresh wave of strategic oversight aligned with Uganda’s broader revenue mobilisation and development goals.
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