Uganda National Lottery Operator Ithuba Ceases Operations
The National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB) of Uganda has announced that Ithuba Uganda Limited, the country’s National Lottery Operator, officially ceased operations on 1 July 2026.
In a public notice issued on 2 July 2026, the regulator stated that it is overseeing the cessation process in line with its statutory mandate under the Lotteries and Gaming Act. The Board emphasized that it is working within the applicable licensing and concession framework to ensure an orderly transition and safeguard the interests of stakeholders.
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The closure marks an abrupt end to a project that had been launched with significant economic and social expectations. In August 2023, ITHUBA Uganda was awarded a 10-year National Lottery operating licence, subject to annual licensing conditions, after being selected by the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB) to oversee the country’s National Lottery operations. At the time, the company committed an initial investment of approximately US$14 million and outlined plans to support the rollout of the lottery through investments in technology, infrastructure and local operations.
The government projected that the initiative would generate approximately UGX 87 billion in gaming tax revenue and UGX 60 billion in non-tax revenue annually, with proceeds earmarked for public infrastructure, education, health and sports development. The project was also expected to create an estimated 1,700 jobs for Ugandan nationals, alongside numerous indirect employment opportunities. Officials further described the National Lottery as a long-term vehicle for mobilising resources for national development and good causes.
The development comes shortly after ITHUBA Holdings concluded its tenure as operator of South Africa’s National Lottery, with Sizekhaya Holdings assuming responsibility for the licence on 1 June 2026 following the expiry of ITHUBA’s 11-year run.
