Ugandan authorities have confiscated over 50 illegal gaming machines in a three-day nationwide operation aimed at shutting down unlicensed gambling activities. The National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (LGRB), in collaboration with the Uganda Police Force, conducted raids as part of “Operation Mashine Haramu” (meaning “illegal machine”), focusing on operators in Masaka City and Mpigi District.

On Friday in Mpigi, residents celebrated as enforcement officers seized more than 20 slot machines and closed several establishments. The day prior, over 30 machines were confiscated in Masaka.

The LGRB issued a warning, stating, “Anyone involved in the manufacture, supply, assembly, or operation of illegal gaming machines is in direct violation of the law. Operation Mashine Haramu will sting.”

Uganda boasts one of East Africa’s fastest-growing gaming markets, with numerous betting shops and slot machines emerging in towns and trading centers. However, regulators argue that illegal operators hinder the government’s tax revenue and expose vulnerable communities to the risks associated with gambling.

According to government data, the licensed gaming industry contributed approximately 150 billion Ugandan shillings (around $39 million) in tax revenue for the 2022/23 fiscal year, an increase from 121 billion shillings the previous year. Despite this, the LGRB estimates that unlicensed machines represent a significant portion of gambling activity, particularly in rural areas where regulation is more challenging.

Authorities are urging the public to report illegal suppliers through toll-free lines and email hotlines, emphasizing that community vigilance is vital for regulating the gaming industry and protecting the public.

Uganda’s crackdown aligns with broader regional efforts to enhance oversight of the gaming sector. Kenya and Tanzania have also increased taxes and tightened licensing in response to growing social concerns about gambling addiction.