Finance Minister Hon. Matia Kasaija Lauds NLGRB Leadership for Transforming Gaming Sector, Urges New Board to Sustain Growth

Hon. Matia Kasaija, Uganda’s Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, recently officiated the handover ceremony of the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB), praising the outgoing Board for its transformative leadership and urging the incoming Board to align regulatory efforts with the country’s broader development and revenue mobilisation objectives.

A Sector Reformed

In his keynote address, Minister Kasaija expressed deep gratitude to the outgoing Board, chaired by Mr. Aloysius Mugasa Adyeri, for its pivotal role in reforming a once chaotic sector into a modern, transparent, and credible regulatory body.

“Together with CEO Mr. Denis Mudene Ngabirano and the Secretariat, you have driven a transformation that has reshaped the gaming sector,” the Minister said.

“The outgoing Board was entrusted with a responsibility to transform the gaming sector. They did not just preserve the status quo, they improved, multiplied, and grew the institution and its outcomes. Thank you for your integrity, diligence, and patriotism.

Among the key achievements of the outgoing Board highlighted by both the Minister and Mr. Adyeri include:

• Sixfold increase in annual revenue from UGX 50.6 billion in FY2019/20 to UGX 323 billion by June 2025;
• Growth in industry turnover from UGX 500 billion in 2021/22 to UGX 8 trillion by the end of FY2024/25;
• Rollout of the National Central Electronic Monitoring System (NCEMS);
• Formalisation of previously illegal gaming operators;
• Appointment of a National Lottery Operator, Ithuba Uganda Limited;
• Growth in staffing and establishment of regional offices in Gulu, Mbale and Mbarara.

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“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,” remarked Mr. Adyeri

A New Board with Strategic Depth

Welcoming the incoming Board, Hon. Kasaija noted the diverse and complementary expertise brought by the new team led by Mr. Kenneth Kitariko.

“This Board brings together regulatory, legal, enforcement, governance, and sports leadership expertise. It is precisely the kind of board we need to steer this complex and fast-evolving sector,” he said.

The new Board comprises:

•  Kenneth Kitariko, with over 25 years of experience in financial markets and regulatory reform, brings strategic insight and a reformist mindset to steer the Board toward governance excellence and international best practices.
• ACP Odong Mark Paul, a seasoned law enforcement professional, offers a strong foundation in compliance, public safety, and operational oversight, ensuring the Board remains vigilant in protecting citizens from illegal and harmful gaming practices.
• Faridah Bahemuka Murungi, a seasoned legal and tax policy expert, offers deep experience in treaty negotiation, fiscal governance, and transparency, key to maintaining integrity in a risk-prone industry.
• Esther Akullo is a distinguished planning and accountability specialist with a track record in results measurement, stakeholder coordination, and systems strengthening, bringing valuable skills in public sector rigor and performance alignment.
• William Blick brings global exposure in sports governance and stakeholder engagement, having served in leadership roles within the Uganda Olympic Committee and Commonwealth Games Federation. His expertise will be vital in overseeing responsible betting, particularly in the sports sector.

Together, the Board’s combined strengths span capital markets, public planning, sports leadership, tax policy, law enforcement, and governance positioning it to deliver credible oversight, expand revenue contribution, and safeguard public interest in an increasingly digital and complex gaming environment.

Commitment to Strategic Oversight and Inclusive Leadership

Speaking on behalf of the new Board, Chairman Mr. Kitariko thanked the Minister for the confidence placed in them and pledged a leadership rooted in integrity, dialogue, and national service.

“Together, Honourable Minister, we step into a new chapter one that requires courage, focus, and unrelenting commitment to strategy execution,” he said.

He commended the outgoing Board for its transformative leadership and pledged continuity built on dialogue and performance. Reaffirming his approach to leadership, he noted:

“As incoming Chair, I want to reaffirm my open-door policy. I believe that the best results in any institution are achieved through dialogue, mutual respect and collective ownership of our market. I’m here to listen, to support, and to ensure that we remain on course—regulating with integrity, expanding our fiscal contribution, and safeguarding the Ugandan from the adverse effects of gaming.”

Mr. Kitariko also expressed confidence in the professionalism of the Secretariat and highlighted the operational leadership of CEO Mr. Denis Mudene Ngabirano as a key asset to the Board.

“I’m especially grateful to be working alongside our CEO, Mr. Denis Mudene Ngabirano, whose operational leadership has been pivotal in translating the Board’s vision into results. Denis, I thank you and your team for the professionalism and dedication you have demonstrated, and I look forward to a productive, open partnership.”

This commitment, he affirmed, would underpin the Board’s mission to align regulatory efforts with national development priorities while fostering trust across all stakeholders.

The Strategic Mandate Ahead

Minister Kasaija urged the new Board to align its work with three pillars of Uganda’s development agenda:

1. Domestic Revenue Mobilisation Strategy (DRMS): Leverage technology and data to optimise non-tax revenues and seal leakages;
2. 10X Growth Strategy: Transform NLGRB into a world-class, tech-led regulator to support GDP growth from USD 61.3 billion to USD 500 billion by 2040;
3. Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV): Ensure inclusivity, transparency, and channel gaming revenues towards national priorities like health, education, and sports.

In addition, the Minister emphasised:

• Responsible Gaming: Prioritise consumer protection, public education, and safeguarding of vulnerable communities;
• Cross-Government Collaboration: Deepen partnerships with URA, BOU, NITA-U, FIA, and NIRA to curb illegal gaming and enable real-time oversight.

“The future of regulation lies not in silos but in strategic partnerships. A well-regulated gaming sector benefits everyone,” Kasaija asserted.

CEO Commits to Institutional Continuity and Support

In his remarks, Chief Executive Officer Mr. Denis Mudene Ngabirano emphasized the importance of continuity and pledged the Secretariat’s unwavering support to the new Board.

“To the incoming Board Members, I warmly welcome you on behalf of the Secretariat. You are assuming responsibility at a time when the Gaming Sector is both dynamic and evolving, and the expectations placed upon the Board are higher than ever. We are confident in your abilities and commit ourselves, as the Secretariat, to providing you with full technical support and professional cooperation to ensure your success in fulfilling your mandate.”

He highlighted that the smooth transition demonstrates the strength of the institution and its foundational values.

“This transition reflects the strength of our institution—one that is built on continuity, accountability, and shared purpose. As we move forward, we remain committed to ensuring that the NLGRB continues to uphold the principles of integrity, efficiency, and fairness in regulating the Gaming Industry for the benefit of all Ugandans.”

Mr. Ngabirano also paid tribute to the outgoing Board for its governance and stewardship, noting its role in the digital transformation, enforcement efficiency, and vote status attainment during its term.