Uganda Opens 2026 Gambling License Renewals with Stricter Compliance Rules

Uganda’s National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB) has launched the 2026 license renewal process, introducing tighter compliance and anti-money laundering (AML) requirements for operators.

The NLGRB announced that all gambling companies — including casinos, betting firms, and lottery operators — must now comply with new obligations under the Gambling Act and AML framework.

New casino operators will be required to register with the Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA) and submit annual AML/CFT compliance reports before being approved for licensing. The regulator emphasized that this move aims to strengthen oversight and improve transparency in the gaming sector.

Only complete and verified applications will be accepted, with the NLGRB warning that any false or incomplete submissions could result in automatic disqualification and legal penalties.

To qualify for renewal, operators must also provide:

• Tax clearance certificates and audited financial statements
  
  
• Good conduct certificates for directors and shareholders
  
  
• IT compliance approval from NITA-U (National Information Technology Authority – Uganda)
  
  
• Proof that all electronic gaming machines are connected to the National Central Electronic Monitoring System (NCEMS)
  
  

Additionally, all venues will undergo pre-licensing inspections covering location, safety standards, and distance from schools, markets, and religious sites.

The renewal window remains open until October 31, 2025, and the NLGRB has pledged to process all complete applications within 60 days.

This new approach marks Uganda’s effort to align its gambling regulation with international AML standards and enhance accountability across the industry.