TLDR
- Uganda’s Principal Judge Jane Frances Abodo praised the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board at the National Court Open Day on September 10.
- The event in Kampala brought together 88 exhibitors from the Judiciary and other justice institutions.
- NLGRB used its exhibition booth to explain gaming laws, licensing rules, and responsible gambling practices.
- The praise came during Africa’s first Safer Gambling Week, which ran from September 7 to 11.
- Uganda’s gaming tax revenue rose from UGX194 billion in FY2023/24 to UGX368.02 billion in FY2025/26.
Uganda’s Principal Judge, Jane Frances Abodo, praised the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board this week. She spoke at the third National Court Open Day.
The event took place on September 10 at Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala. It was themed “Delivering Inclusive, Efficient and Effective Justice.”
The NLGRB hosted an exhibition booth at the event. The regulator said it felt honoured by the judge’s visit.
Abodo commended the board for its work regulating the gaming sector. She said her words reinforced the importance of public awareness and law enforcement.
What Happened at the Open Day
The Open Day brought together 88 exhibitors. These came from the Judiciary and other justice institutions across Uganda.
The event gave the public direct access to these bodies. Citizens could engage with officials and share feedback on how justice gets delivered.
At its stand, the NLGRB explained gaming laws to visitors. Staff also covered licensing requirements and compliance measures.
The board highlighted responsible gambling practices as well. It stressed its role in protecting the public from gaming-related harm.
This marked the third edition of the National Court Open Day. The second edition took place in December 2025 and focused on similar themes.
Wider Regulatory Context
The praise came during Africa’s first Safer Gambling Week. This ran from September 7 to 11 across the continent.
Uganda joined other regulators in supporting the #PlaySafeAfrica campaign during that week. The campaign focuses on responsible gambling and player protection.
The comments also followed a separate meeting. The NLGRB met with the Uganda Revenue Authority to discuss a new 15% withholding tax on betting and gaming winnings.
That tax was introduced under Section 131 of the Income Tax Amendment Act 2026. Operators must deduct the tax from winnings, calculated as the payout minus the stake.
National Lottery prizes are exempt from this tax. Licensed operators were briefed on enforcement details during the meeting.
NLGRB Chief Executive Denis Mudene spoke about the importance of cooperation. He said licensed operators contribute to Uganda’s economy through tax revenue, jobs, and investment.
Mudene added that the regulator and the tax authority are working toward a sustainable framework. The goal is to secure government revenue while letting the industry grow.
Uganda has also set a single 30% tax rate for both betting and gaming. This reflects the government’s view that both activities should face equal treatment.
Gaming tax collections have grown fast. They rose from UGX194 billion in the 2023/24 financial year to UGX368.02 billion in 2025/26.
Compliance rates also improved during that period. They climbed from 68% to 79% in one year.
