Uganda's Chief Judge Praises Gambling Regulator's Public Outreach
Uganda's Principal Judge, Jane Frances Abodo, has praised the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB) for its work regulating the country's online casinos and gambling sectors.
Her remarks came during Uganda's third National Court Open Day, held on September 10 at Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala, an event that brought together 88 exhibitors from the judiciary and other justice institutions.
What Happened At The Open Day
The NLGRB, which hosted Judge Abodo at its exhibition stand, said it was honoured by her visit.
According to the regulator, she commended "NGLRB Uganda for its efforts in regulating the gaming sector," adding that her comments reinforced the importance of public awareness in protecting the public and enforcing the law.
At its stand, the regulator explained gaming laws, licensing requirements, compliance measures and responsible gambling practices to the public.
This was the third National Court Open Day, following a second edition in December 2025 that covered similar ground on licensing, compliance and consumer protection.
A Regulator Under Pressure
The praise came in the same week Uganda took part in Africa's first Safer Gambling Week, held September 7-11, joining regulators across the continent in the #PlaySafeAfrica responsible gambling campaign.
It also followed a meeting between the NLGRB and the Uganda Revenue Authority to brief licensed operators on a new 15% withholding tax on betting and gaming winnings, introduced under Section 131 of the Income Tax (Amendment) Act, 2026 and calculated on the difference between payout and stake, with National Lottery prizes exempt.
"Licensed operators continue to make an important contribution to Uganda's economy through tax revenues, employment, investment and innovation," said NLGRB Chief Executive Denis Mudene.
"It is therefore essential that government, regulators and industry engage openly and candidly on how new policies are implemented."
Uganda's gaming tax collections rose from UGX194 billion in the 2023/24 financial year to UGX368.02 billion in 2025/26, while operator compliance rates improved from 68% to 79% over the same period, the regulator said.
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Long-Running Public Engagement Push
The National Court Open Day format is designed to give the public direct access to the judiciary and justice-sector bodies, enabling citizens to engage and provide feedback on how justice is delivered, rather than being a gambling-specific event.
The NLGRB's decision to use the platform to explain licensing requirements and responsible gambling practices for a third consecutive edition reflects a regulator that has leaned on public-facing outreach, alongside its enforcement and tax-compliance work with the Uganda Revenue Authority, to build its profile with both citizens and industry.
