Uganda Table Tennis Association President Robert Jjagwe has weighed in on the government’s proposed tax reforms for the gaming and betting industry, calling for a portion of the increased tax revenue to be allocated to sports development.
Jjagwe welcomed the new measures, arguing that they would expose the true earnings of betting companies, which he claims have profited at the expense of Ugandan citizens.
“Now that URA is going to tax these betting companies more transparently, they are going to get shocked at how much they have been earning while impoverishing our citizens,” Jjagwe told NBS Sport.
He further urged the government to follow Kenya’s example by channeling betting tax revenues into the national sports budget.
“And now as sports, can we demand (like in Kenya) that betting revenues fund our sports budget? This is the time to solve the sports budget funding problem appreciably and also take the burden away from government,” he added.
The Kenya Model: Betting Tax Revenues for Sports
Jjagwe’s reference to Kenya highlights a long-standing debate in Uganda about sustainable sports funding.
In Kenya, the Sports Fund—established under the Sports Act—receives a portion of betting, lottery, and gaming revenues to support national sports programs.
A percentage of all betting proceeds is directed into the fund, which finances sports federations, national teams, and grassroots programs.
This model has helped Kenyan athletes secure better training facilities, international exposure, and competitive allowances.
The approach ensures a steady stream of sports funding that does not rely solely on government allocations, which can be inconsistent.
What This Could Mean for Uganda
If Uganda were to adopt a similar framework, a portion of the taxes collected from betting companies could be allocated to sports development.
This could ease the financial struggles faced by sports federations, reduce dependence on government funding, and create opportunities for athletes to access better training and facilities.
Currently, most Ugandan sports bodies rely on limited government funding and occasional private sponsorships, which often fall short of the required budgets.
A dedicated sports fund from betting revenues could provide a more stable financial foundation for sports development, benefiting disciplines that receive little support compared to football.
Jjagwe’s call adds to ongoing discussions about sports financing in Uganda. With the government moving to tighten regulation and taxation of the betting industry, the proposal to reinvest some of these funds into sports could gain traction among stakeholders.
