NLGRB Holds Pre-Licensing Stakeholder Engagement Ahead of 2027 Licensing Cycle
The National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB) convened its Annual Pre-Licensing Stakeholder Engagement with gaming operators at Royal Suites in Bugolobi.
The meeting was held on 25 September 2026 to establish regulatory expectations for the upcoming 2027 licence renewal cycle.
The high-level meeting brought together NLGRB management, licensed operators, licence applicants, and partner government agencies, including the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) and the National Social Security Fund (NSSF).
Speaking at the meeting, NLGRB Chief Executive Officer Denis Mudene Ngabirano stressed that public safety and harm prevention must remain the industry’s foremost priorities. He emphasized that the sector’s success is not measured by financial revenue alone and urged operators to continually strengthen age verification, self-exclusion tools, and responsible gaming messaging.
“Our objective is to create a regulatory environment that protects the public and government revenue while giving legitimate operators the certainty and confidence they need to invest, innovate, and grow responsibly,” he said.
Denis also outlined the Board’s shift toward digital, data-driven oversight through electronic licensing platforms and the National Central Electronic Monitoring System (NCEMS).
Kenneth Kitariko, NLGRB Board Chairperson reminded operators that holding a gaming licence carries significant legal, financial, and social responsibilities and is not merely an administrative formality.
He highlighted three core expectations for operators: full legal compliance, accurate and timely reporting, and a firm commitment to player protection. He also reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to maintaining a transparent, consistent, and predictable regulatory framework, while emphasizing that operators are expected to fulfil their tax obligations and regulatory duties.
Read Also: NLGRB Teams Up with Police and Lira City Leaders to Strengthen Regulated Gaming
The annual engagement provides an important opportunity for the Board and the industry to review regulatory expectations, discuss emerging issues, and ensure that the licensing process supports a responsible, transparent, compliant, and sustainable gaming sector.
“As we begin the 2027 licensing cycle, we remain committed to working with the industry to build a gaming sector that is responsible, innovative, transparent, and trusted by the public.” Denis Mudene Ngabirano, CEO of the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board
