Acknowledging the Past, Shaping the Future

Hon. Matia Kasaija, Uganda’s Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, presided over the handover ceremony in Kampala, praising the achievements of the outgoing board under Mr. Aloysius Mugasa Adyeri. The former leadership, he said, had successfully overhauled a previously disorganised and opaque sector into a credible and transparent regulatory body.

“Together with CEO Mr. Denis Mudene Ngabirano and the Secretariat, you have driven a transformation that has reshaped the gaming sector,” Kasaija noted during his keynote speech. Commending the former board’s commitment, he added: “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.”

A New Board with a Reform-Driven Agenda

The incoming team, chaired by Kenneth Kitariko, was introduced with high expectations to build on the solid foundation laid by its predecessor. Hon. Kasaija highlighted the strategic blend of experience across governance, regulation, law enforcement, and sports administration brought by the new members.

“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.

Kitariko brings over two decades of experience in financial markets and regulatory frameworks, positioning him to guide the board toward governance excellence and alignment with global standards. William Blick, with an extensive background in sports governance, is expected to oversee responsible betting initiatives, particularly in relation to sports.

Also joining the board is Esther Akullo, an expert in planning, accountability, and stakeholder coordination; Faridah Bahemuka Murungi, a legal and tax policy authority with experience in treaty negotiation and fiscal transparency; and ACP Odong Mark Paul, a senior law enforcement figure who will lead efforts on compliance and public safety.

Balancing Regulation with Social Responsibility

The official inauguration marks the board’s active entry into a sector that has expanded rapidly but faces mounting challenges. Members of Parliament and officials at the ceremony stressed that regulation must go beyond licensing and revenue collection. Instead, they urged the board to focus on protecting consumers—particularly young people - from gambling-related risks.

Legislators highlighted the need to curb illegal operators, tackle underage gambling, and introduce strong safeguards against addiction. Officials from the Ministry of Finance reinforced that the formation of the board reflects a wider government strategy to bring structure to the sector while maximising non-tax revenue.

“The Government recognises the importance of the gaming sector, not only as a source of non-tax revenue, but also in promoting responsible gaming,” said Kasaija.

Uganda has already started leveraging betting-related income, recently allocating gaming tax proceeds to support preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Moving forward, the NLGRB is expected to design policies and collaborate with industry stakeholders to create a balanced framework that ensures both economic benefits and consumer protection.