Uganda’s Finance Minister unveils new National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board

On 24 July 2025, Matia Kasaija, Uganda’s Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, held a handover ceremony for the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB).

The new board consists of:

• Chairman: Kenneth Kitariko, a renowned practitioner with over 25 years of experience in the financial industry and regulatory reform.
• Odong Mark Paul, Senior Assistant Public Prosecutor and veteran of the law enforcement system.
• Farida Bahemuka Murungi, an expert in legal and tax regulation.
• Esther Akullo, a public administration professional with experience in monitoring, evaluation and inter-agency coordination.
• William Blick, a leader with extensive experience in international sports policy, previously held senior positions in the Uganda Olympic Committee and the Commonwealth Games Federation.

Minister Kasaija noted that the gaming industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace, which requires prompt management: oversight, transparency and accountability. The new council also needs to focus on strengthening the regulatory framework, again due to the incredible speed with which new trends are emerging in the gaming industry. He also stressed the importance of promoting responsible gaming and protecting the interests of the community, especially the youth and vulnerable groups.

In his speech, Finance Minister Matia Kasaija also paid tribute to the previous council, chaired by Mr. Aloysius Mugaza Adyeri, for its incredible contribution to the improvement of the country’s gaming industry. Key achievements of the outgoing team:

• Six-fold increase in revenue
• Growth in sector turnover
• Digital oversight
• Expanded national presence
• Eight-fold increase in non-tax revenue

“As I leave this position, I take with me not only satisfaction for what we have achieved, but also great optimism for what lies ahead. I remain confident that the NLGRB will continue to grow in strength and influence in the coming years,” said Mr. Adyeri, the previous chairman of the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board.