In an exclusive conversation with iGaming AFRIKA, Denis Mudene, CEO of Uganda’s National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board, spoke with Mercy Sharon of iGaming AFRIKA about the board’s commitment to responsible gaming, recent regulatory milestones, and strategic collaborations that are shaping the future of Uganda’s gaming industry.
Mr Mudene discussed impactful initiatives like community outreach, mental health support for problem gamblers, and the rollout of advanced monitoring systems, all aimed at creating a balanced, sustainable gaming environment that benefits both the public and industry stakeholders.
Mercy: Aside from promoting responsible gambling, what steps is the board taking to support startups, especially those looking to enter the Ugandan market?
Mudene: We prioritise local content and ensure that certain licences, such as those for sports betting and virtual games, are ring-fenced for East African nationals. Ugandans, Kenyans, Rwandans, Tanzanians, and others from the region receive preferential licensing terms compared to foreign operators. In addition, we are working on a local content regulation aimed at providing more opportunities for startups. As long as they meet all the regulatory requirements, we are committed to supporting local enterprises entering the industry.
Mercy: With diversity and inclusion gaining attention across industries, how does the board address these issues within the gaming sector?
Mudene: We encourage equal opportunity within the industry, advocating for the employment of individuals from diverse backgrounds—whether based on gender, ability, or other factors. While we haven’t heavily focused on this area, we recognize its importance and will continue working to develop policies that promote inclusion across all segments of the gaming industry.
While we haven’t focused heavily on this area, we encourage equal opportunity within the industry, advocating for the employment of individuals from diverse backgrounds – whether based on gender, ability, or other factors. We will continue working to develop policies that promote inclusion across all segments of the gaming industry.
Mercy: You’ve also been vocal about mental wellness in the industry. How crucial do you believe it is for people to understand the importance of mental health, especially regarding responsible gambling?
Mudene: Mental health is a critical issue in this sector, yet it’s rarely discussed. Gambling can become addictive, and when it does, it can have severe psychological consequences. We aim to create a more open dialogue around mental health in gaming, particularly by forging partnerships with organisations that can provide support for problem gamblers.
Our collaboration with the Ministry of Health and NGOs focused on mental wellness is a key step. These partnerships allow us to provide counselling services for problem gamblers and increase awareness about the potential mental health risks associated with gambling. It’s essential that regulators and operators work together to ensure the industry promotes responsible gaming practices and addresses mental health proactively.
Mercy: Problem gambling doesn’t only affect players; it can also impact industry workers. Should the approach to mental health differ for those working within the industry versus the punters?
Mudene: I believe the approach should be the same across the board. Whether you’re a player or an industry worker, the psychological effects of gambling addiction are similar. We must adopt a holistic approach to mental health, one that supports everyone affected by problem gambling, regardless of their role in the industry.
Mercy: Collaboration with operators can sometimes be challenging, especially when operators feel regulators aren’t aligned with their business goals. How do you foster better collaboration between regulators and operators?
Mudene: There’s often a misconception that regulators work against operators, but we need to shift this perception. Collaboration is essential to creating a balanced gaming environment that promotes business growth and public safety. By working together, we can establish clear standards that highlight the positive aspects of the industry while mitigating the negative effects.
One initiative we’ve discussed is creating a responsible gaming fund to support those affected by gambling addiction. Such collaborations are crucial in fostering mutual respect between operators and regulators, and also in improving the perception of the gaming sector.
Mercy: You recently implemented the Central Monitoring System, which is a major milestone. What do you see as the key benefits of having this system in place?
Mudene: The primary benefit of the Central Monitoring System is the ability to collect accurate, real-time data on the gaming sector. This helps us develop data-driven policies that protect the public and ensure the industry operates transparently. The system enables us to track how much money is being wagered, who is participating, and how long they are engaging with games. This information is critical in shaping responsible gaming practices and identifying areas that need regulatory attention.
Mercy: Looking ahead, are there any innovative solutions the board is considering to further improve its performance?
Mudene: Our focus is on automating all our processes to better regulate the sector. For instance, we’ve implemented a national register for gaming equipment, which allows us to track and monitor all gaming equipment across the country. Leveraging technology is key to staying ahead of industry trends and ensuring effective regulation.
Mercy: Heavy taxes are often a point of contention in the gaming industry. What are your thoughts on the increasing tax rates?
Mudene: In some countries, high taxes are used as a deterrent to curb gambling, but I believe this approach is flawed. Instead of focusing on prohibitive taxes, we should emphasize responsible gaming initiatives embedded in the law. Tax increases alone won’t stop people from gambling. Instead, we need to create a balanced environment that promotes responsible gaming while ensuring the industry remains viable.
Mercy: Finally, any closing remarks?
Mudene: I’d like to thank iGaming AFRIKA for creating this platform for sector players to discuss trends and developments. One of the key areas I’d encourage everyone to focus on is standardising gaming practices across Africa. By harmonising regulations, licensing, and gaming standards, we can foster greater collaboration, which will benefit both local players and international investors. Africans need to take a more active role in the gaming industry, not just as consumers of technology but as innovators, and I believe we are on the right path to achieving that.