Uganda Unveils Five-Year Plan for Responsible Gaming

Government Positions Responsible Gaming as a Driver of Industry Growth

Speaking at the launch, Finance, Planning and Economic Development Minister Henry Musasizi said the three newly introduced frameworks go beyond administrative policy and reflect Uganda's long-term vision for a transparent and accountable gaming industry.

According to Musasizi, the Strategic Plan, Client Charter and Service Delivery Standards demonstrate the government's commitment to accountability, innovation, responsible gaming and national development.

"The gaming industry continues to play an increasingly important role in Uganda's economy. Through effective regulation, enhanced compliance, technological innovation and stronger supervision, the sector has expanded its contribution to government revenue, employment and investment," the minister said.

He added that the new strategy is aligned with Uganda Vision 2040, the country's Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) and the Government's Tenfold Growth Strategy, ensuring that responsible gaming remains a central pillar of future industry development.

New Strategy Strengthens Responsible Gaming and Compliance

The National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board said the five-year plan prioritizes stronger governance across Uganda's regulated gambling market while reinforcing responsible gaming standards.

Regulatory Priorities for 2025–2030

Board Chairman Kenneth Kitariko outlined several key objectives that will guide the regulator over the next five years, including:

• Strengthening the country's gaming regulatory framework.
• Closing compliance gaps across licensed operators.
• Expanding nationwide regulatory oversight.
• Increasing the use of technology to improve transparency, accountability and revenue assurance.
• Promoting responsible gaming through stronger supervision and regulatory best practices.

The Board believes these measures will support a more sustainable and competitive gambling industry while improving consumer protection, regulatory efficiency and investor confidence.

Ministry Emphasizes Implementation and Accountability

Representing the Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury (PSST), Deputy Secretary to the Treasury Patrick Ocailap reaffirmed the Ministry of Finance's commitment to supporting the NLGRB in line with available fiscal resources and national priorities.

Ocailap stressed that delivering on the objectives of the Strategic Plan will depend on consistent implementation rather than policy commitments alone.

"A Strategic Plan without implementation remains a statement of intent. Service Delivery Standards without compliance remain aspirations. A Client Charter without accountability becomes only a public relations document," he said.

His remarks reinforced the government's intention to ensure that regulatory reforms translate into measurable improvements for operators, consumers and the broader gaming industry.

NLGRB Receives International Information Security Certification

During the launch, Board Chairman Kenneth Kitariko formally presented the NLGRB's ISO/IEC 27001 certification to Minister Musasizi.

The internationally recognized certification confirms that the regulator has established and maintains an Information Security Management System (ISMS) that complies with global standards for information security management.

The achievement reflects the Board's broader modernization strategy, which includes stronger digital governance, enhanced cybersecurity and improved regulatory oversight for licensed gaming operators.

Uganda's Gaming Industry Eyes Sustainable Growth

As Uganda's regulated gambling market continues to expand, the newly launched five-year strategy positions responsible gaming, technological innovation and regulatory compliance at the center of the sector's future.

By combining stronger supervision, improved service delivery standards and internationally recognized governance practices, the government aims to foster a sustainable gaming ecosystem that supports economic growth while ensuring high levels of accountability and responsible gaming across the industry.