A lottery that’s changing lives in Uganda

ERIC MABUZA JNR. When we launched the Uganda National Lottery just a few months ago, we didn’t simply introduce a game. We introduced a promise—a promise of fairness, opportunity, and national progress. And today, I can confidently say: that promise is already coming to life.

Every day across Uganda, I meet people whose lives are being changed not just by the thrill of winning, but by what the Lottery stands for. Take Nantamu Emmanuel, for example. A humble peasant farmer from Busowobi in Bugiri District, he bought a ticket and won a massive UGX 186 million LOTTO jackpot. He’s one of over 600,000 winners to date. And what makes this even more remarkable is that stories like his are not rare. Winners have come from Kisoro, Koboko, Lira, Mbale, Luwero, Hima—proving that the Lottery’s impact stretches into every corner of Uganda.

But here’s the thing: at ITHUBA, the company operating the Uganda National Lottery, our mission has never been just about creating winners. It’s about creating impact.

What excites me the most is that this transformation is funded not by debt or foreign aid—but by Ugandans themselves. Every UGX 600 DAILY LOTTO ticket or UGX 1,000 POWERBALL play becomes a small act of nation-building.

Having worked closely with ITHUBA in South Africa, I’ve witnessed firsthand how a National Lottery can drive real, measurable development. Over the past decade, ITHUBA has channelled more than $650 million from ticket sales into good causes —funding education, housing, healthcare, and more. Now, in Uganda, we’re applying that same proven model. The National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB) has already identified the upcoming AFCON 2027 tournament as a flagship beneficiary of Uganda National Lottery proceeds —supporting the construction of world-class stadiums and training facilities that will uplift sport and infrastructure alike.

Of course, no National Lottery can succeed without trust. And that’s why we’ve invested heavily in systems that ensure integrity at every turn. Every game is fully digital, reducing any chance of tampering. Our operations are 100% regulated by the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB). We’ve opened regional offices in Mbarara, Mbale, and Gulu, and we’ve partnered with hundreds of agents across the country to make the Uganda National Lottery more accessible than ever before.

But transparency isn’t just about technology. It’s also about people. That’s why ITHUBA encourages responsible gaming. We believe people should play for fun and to take a chance on big wins. ITHUBA has partnered with counselling organisations to provide support when it’s needed. In Uganda, as in South Africa, we’re building a National Lottery culture that’s grounded in responsibility.

Beyond winners, beyond games, we’re seeing something even more inspiring: growth. Jobs have been created—from marketing professionals to retail agents. Small businesses are benefiting. Communities are gaining access to new resources. This is what it looks like when a National Lottery becomes more than entertainment. It becomes an economic engine.

For me personally, being part of this journey is deeply meaningful. I see our work not just as managing a National Lottery, but as helping shape the future of a nation. And I am proud that ITHUBA is doing this work with integrity, transparency, and heart.

So, the next time you buy a ticket, know that you’re not just playing for a chance to win. You’re joining a movement—one that’s transforming communities, supporting dreams, and building a better Uganda.

Source: independent.co.ug

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Samuel

I am a journalist specializing in gambling in Africa and around the world. I am particularly interested in stories about games and casinos.

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Samuel

I am a journalist specializing in gambling in Africa and around the world. I am particularly interested in stories about games and casinos.