The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | While in the bushes herding his cattle in Kasese, Enock Nayebale always dreamt of a future 20 years away that had him take his children to the best schools in the country, and also build himself and his mother a permanent tin roofed house.
Those dreams were still alive when he purchased what he could afford, a single sh1,000 LOTTO ticket using the USSD code *278# on August 3rd. He had earlier bought his first phone after persistent radio announciments at a LOTTO Jackpot caught his attention.
Well, 20-year-old Nayebale’s prayers have been answered in a most unexpected and lucky way, by Uganda National Lottery’s historic LOTTO jackpot.
Although his numbers didn’t match all six, matching four made him part of Division 5, sharing a staggering sh932,340,000 with four other players in the Uganda National Lottery’s historic LOTTO jackpot Draw No.17 held on August 3rd, 2024.
“Ever since I bought my first phone in April, I’ve been thinking about how things could change,” shared Nayebale with journalists at the ITHUBA Uganda headquarters.
Inspired by local radio advertisements about the LOTTO jackpot, he decided to take a chance. He purchased a UGX 1,000 LOTTO ticket using the USSD code *278# on August 3rd. .
Receiving the win notification via SMS, Nayebale was skeptical. “I thought it was fake,” he confessed. Discouraged by family concerns, he initially put the message aside. However, a follow-up call from ITHUBA Uganda’s Winner Services team and a visit from the Western Regional Manager dispelled his doubts.
Nayebale travelled to Kampala for the first time, receiving a warm welcome and support from ITHUBA Uganda Winner Services Team, including financial and trauma counselling.
He is now the third claimant of the historic jackpot, sharing his good news with his mother who, like him, is overjoyed. Nayebale plans to use his windfall to build a new home for his mother and secure his future with savings. “I am deeply grateful and still in shock,” Nayebale said. “I plan to build a beautiful home for my mother and save a substantial portion of the prize money.”
The Uganda National Lottery has seen significant success with recent jackpot winners, including Samuel Mbonimpa, a mason from Kyazanga, Lwengo District, and Zeverio Namisi, a factory loader from Kawempe. Mbonimpa and Namisi each claimed UGX 186 million from their respective wagers of sh4000 and sh9000.
Michelle Van Trotsenburg, Head of Marketing and Corporate Affairs at ITHUBA Uganda, congratulated Nayebale and encouraged other winners to come forward: “As Ugandans celebrate Nayebale’s success, we urge the remaining two jackpot winners to claim their prizes at our head office. Remember, if you believe you’ve won for our other games, visit a registered retailer or the location where you purchased your ticket for validation.”
The head of marketing added that, ” Winnings are tax free and winners are encouraged to come forward and claim their prizes at ITHUBA Uganda’s offices. For more information about the Uganda National Lottery, upcoming draws, and how to play, please visit www.nationallottery.go.ug or follow us on our social media channels. For enquiries, please contact the toll free Player Helpline at 0800 334433.”
