Uganda National Lottery launched to fund sports infrastructure

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The government has launched a new National Lottery with the proceeds expected to go towards funding government sports activities and sports infrastructure.

The Uganda National Lottery will be conducted and managed by ITHUBA Uganda Ltd, a local subsidiary of South Africa–based ITHUBA Holdings Ltd, after it secured a 10-year license from the National Lotteries and Gaming Board (NLGRB).

This comes at a time when the government has intensified investments in sports facilities especially stadia, with in mind, the Africa Cup of Nations 2027, due to be hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.

The government could directly benefit in the form of taxes and non-tax revenues of more than 140 billion shillings a year, according to Denis Mudene Ngabirano, the Chief Executive Officer at NLGRB.

He says the Board and the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development are convinced that Ithuba has the capacity and integrity to do the job, adding that the need for sports infrastructure is critical at this time.

Mudene says they are aware of the effects that gambling activities have on participants, especially the youth, and urges the management to ensure the protection of their customers.

He also says part of the proceeds, apart from the other benefits to the country, like employment, data collection, and government revenues, will go towards social responsibility activities.

The due diligence on the company included assessing its track record, financial stability, expertise, and commitment to responsible gaming practices which “has always been at the core of our mandate.

We also scrutinized their operational procedures, security measures, and player protection policies,” according to Ngabirano.

Eric Mabuza, Executive Director ITHUBA Uganda says they want to replicate the company’s South Africa successes in Uganda, ultimately turning around the fortunes of the Uganda National Lottery as a major contributor to the economy.

Some of the negative effects gambling has had on people include distress which has in some reported cases resulted in suicide, while some students have lost tuition fees in betting activities, among others.

Michelle Van Trostenburg, the company’s Head of Marketing says the Board has in place regulations that are capable of ensuring responsible betting, including limiting the lower age to 18.

She, however, points out that even winning huge amounts can affect the participant or the money goes to waste, hence the reason they have put in place a support mechanism to mitigate any trauma arising from either wins or losses.

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