Uganda's gambling boom hits Shs323 billion as lawmakers push for reform

A tenfold revenue leap exposes Uganda's gambling boom—and its dark side. Can stricter rules curb unlicensed machines and protect vulnerable players?

, and Administrator

2026 March 20 . 1:02 AM

1 min read

The image shows an old map of Uganda with a black background. The map is filled with text,... — The image shows an old map of Uganda with a black background. The map is filled with text, providing detailed information about the country.

Uganda's gambling boom hits Shs323 billion as lawmakers push for reform

Uganda's gambling sector has seen a sharp rise in revenues over the past decade. The National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB) reported a jump from Shs17.4 billion in 2015/16 to Shs323 billion in 2024/25. Lawmakers have now called for stricter controls to tackle illegal operations and protect vulnerable players.

The NLGRB linked the revenue surge to tighter regulations and the launch of the National Central Electronic Monitoring System. This system improved oversight of betting activities, though no public data exists on its regional impact or urban-rural differences.

Non-tax revenue also climbed eightfold, from Shs1.14 billion in 2019/2020 to Shs8.79 billion in 2024/2025. The regulator attributed this to better licensing, updated fees, and stronger compliance checks.

Total gambling stakes reached Shs4.3 trillion in 2023/24, doubling to Shs8.3 trillion the following year. Projections for 2025/26 stand at Shs14.1 trillion.

However, MPs highlighted persistent issues with unlicensed gaming machines, especially in rural areas. They pushed for closer collaboration between the NLGRB and other agencies to crack down on illegal operations. The committee also stressed the need for ongoing oversight to ensure responsible gambling and safeguard at-risk groups.

The NLGRB's stricter measures and digital monitoring have driven record revenues in Uganda's gambling sector. Yet challenges remain, with lawmakers demanding stronger enforcement against unlicensed machines. The regulator now faces pressure to balance growth with player protection and compliance.