National Lottery Pays out UGX 3.6b in First Half Year

The Uganda National Lottery has to date paid out 3.6 billion Shillings to more than half a million people, since its launch seven months ago. Operated by Ithuba Uganda, a subsidiary of South Africa-based Ithuba Holdings, the national lottery was launched last year, and the initial ticket sales began on June 1, 2024, under regulation by the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB). 

By the end of last week, it had paid out more than 3.6 billion Shillings to more than 520,000 winners across various winning divisions. Some of the big payouts include to Lotto jackpot winners, with five being awarded a total of 1 Billion Shillings in August last year, and 17 Powerball special roll-down winners, who have collectively received 500 Million. 

Launching the National Lottery, the Ministry of Finance said it had tasked Ithuba to contribute 147 Billion Shillings annually comprising 87 Billion in gaming taxes and 60 Billion in non-tax revenues. 

These funds, according to the Ministry, would go a long way in building sports infrastructure ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations set to be hosted by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania in 2027.    

Ithuba says that while the half-year journey has come with its challenges, it has also laid the groundwork for an exciting future as the lottery continues to expand its reach and engagement across Uganda.  “The first six months have been a valuable learning experience. Together with the NLGRB, we’ve tackled early challenges head-on, setting the stage for steady progress and future success. 

While we still have much to achieve, our commitment to growing the lottery responsibly and inclusively remains unwavering,” Eric Mabuza, General Manager of ITHUBA Uganda. 

Future contributions will be directed toward initiatives that create meaningful community impact, with updates to follow as the National Lottery continues to grow and stabilize. 

“We are just beginning to scratch the surface of what the Uganda National Lottery can achieve. 

With the support of our participants and stakeholders, we look forward to building a brighter future, one ticket at a time,” Mabuza said. The Uganda National Lottery began started with five games namely Lotto, Powerball, Daily Lotto, Sportstake 10, and Spin 4 Cash, designed to offer participants diverse, convenient and affordable exciting ways to play and win. 

Recently, ITHUBA expanded its portfolio with the launch of five EAZiWIN E INSTANT games, bringing quick and rewarding game play to participants and broadening the National lottery’s appeal, hence catering to the evolving preferences of players. 

To make the National Lottery more accessible, ticket purchases have been streamlined through digital platforms, enabling participants to buy them via their mobile devices, a development that Ithuba says underscores the lottery’s commitment to convenience and market needs. 

In its growth plans, the National Lottery plans for the next phase include expanding access and introducing new games and initiatives that will bring it even closer to participants across Uganda. 

The company is in the final stages of completing a partnership with Inter-switch to enable ticket purchases making it easier for participants without internet access to play, on top of empowering local businesses in the countryside to serve as distribution points. 

The National Lottery will also roll out ticket sales at selected Vivo Energy outlets. Denis Mudene Ngabirano, CEO of the NLGRB, said that the collaboration between ITHUBA and the regulator was instrumental in navigating the early phases of the Uganda National Lottery, but was hopeful more achievements. 

“While there is still much work to be done, we are optimistic about the future and committed to growing the lottery in a way that benefits participants and contributes to the country’s development,” he said. Participants must be 18 years or older, and the operator and the regulator appeal for “responsible gaming.”