Uganda's lottery operator exits business amid industry boom

ITHUBA Uganda Limited's exit from the National Lottery business has brought renewed scrutiny to the stability of Uganda's rapidly growing gaming industry. The National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB) is now managing the transition to protect players, retailers, and public revenues.

ITHUBA stopped offering National Lottery games on June 30 and ceased trading on July 1, after informing authorities of financial and operational challenges. The regulator stated that the operator's cessation of operations does not absolve ITHUBA Uganda Limited of its legal obligations. The NLGRB is taking necessary measures to ensure an orderly transition and safeguard all stakeholders, including government, players, prize claimants, retailers, and employees.

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The Operator’s cessation of operations does not relieve ITHUBA Uganda Limited of its obligations under the law, the National Lottery Licence, or the Concession Agreement.

All outstanding matters, such as player balances, prize claims, and liabilities, remain under regulatory supervision. Players with pending claims are advised to contact ITHUBA through official channels while the regulator monitors compliance. The NLGRB is collaborating with the operator and other government bodies to ensure a legally compliant transition.

This development occurs amidst significant expansion in Uganda's gaming sector, fueled by mobile money adoption, increased smartphone use, and the proliferation of online betting platforms. Government tax collections from betting, gaming, lotteries, casinos, and related activities reached Shs568 billion by March of the 2025/26 financial year, a dramatic increase from Shs18.5 billion in 2019/20. This surge underscores the sector's growing importance as a source of domestic revenue, with regulators estimating that approximately 93 percent of gaming activity now occurs online.

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The online shift has fundamentally changed the gaming landscape. Technology has expanded access to ga