The National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB) of Uganda has engaged boda boda riders in a financial literacy and responsible gambling awareness initiative aimed at encouraging better financial management and discouraging reliance on betting as a source of income.

The engagement took place at the GOGO offices on Factory Lane, where the Board met with riders to discuss ways to protect their daily earnings, build savings and understand the financial risks associated with gambling.

As part of the initiative, a clinical psychologist from Safe Spaces educated participants on the dangers of gambling and the cognitive biases that can influence betting behavior. These included the misconception that a win becomes more likely after a series of losses, a belief commonly associated with continued gambling.

A representative from the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) Uganda also provided guidance on saving, explaining how small, consistent contributions from daily earnings can accumulate over time. The session emphasized that betting should not be viewed as a reliable pathway to wealth.

The NLGRB urged riders to approach gambling responsibly, stressing that betting should be treated strictly as entertainment rather than a means of meeting essential financial obligations.

The Board advised participants against using money intended for rent, fuel, school fees and family needs to gamble, while encouraging them to set limits and maintain control over their betting activities.

The initiative forms part of the NLGRB’s broader mandate to promote responsible gambling and improve financial literacy among Ugandans, particularly those whose livelihoods depend on daily earnings.

The Board acknowledged the support of its partners, NSSF Uganda and GOGO, as well as the boda boda riders who participated in the engagement. It reaffirmed its commitment to further initiatives that prioritizes financial well-being and responsible gambling.