The National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB) recently held a high-level stakeholder engagement with the Uganda Police Force Officials in Rwizi Region.
The meeting, hosted at Lake View Hotel, Mbarara, on May 27, 2025, brought together key stakeholders, including District Police Commanders (DPCs), Officers in Charge of Criminal Investigations (OCIDs), local leaders, media representatives, and other technical experts from across the region.
Strengthening Compliance & Protecting Citizens
The engagement focused on enhancing enforcement strategies, improving compliance, and deepening understanding of Uganda’s Lotteries and Gaming Act, Cap 334.
In his opening remarks, NLGRB CEO Denis Mudene emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Board and the Uganda Police Force to protect citizens, prevent underage gaming, and maintain public order.
“Gaming is not a money-making venture—it is a leisure activity or entertainment, and we encourage only those of legal age to participate responsibly,” Mudene said.
Rising Concern: Underage Online Gambling
Mudene warned of a growing trend where children use parents’ phones to gamble online. He urged parents to be cautious when registering SIM cards under their names, as minors could easily bypass verification checks to access gambling platforms.
“93% of gambling happens online, mostly by corporates. However, when a phone registered in a parent’s name is used by a 15-year-old, they pass all verification checks,” he explained, calling for responsible digital parenting.
Tackling Illegal Gambling Operations
Mbarara City Mayor Robert Mugabe Kakyebezi commended NLGRB’s efforts in bringing regulatory oversight closer to communities.
Expressing concern over unlicensed betting operations and children misusing school fees to gamble, he stated:
“As you enforce the law against illegal operators and those admitting minors, remind them of the law and apprehend violators. This sets an example for those who think they can break the law and get away with it.”
Uganda Police Reaffirms Commitment to Gaming Law Enforcement
Deputy Regional Police Commander Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Bosco Bakashaba pledged the Uganda Police Force’s full support in reducing gaming-related offenses and shutting down illegal gambling houses.
“Gaming houses that admit underage individuals or operate without licenses—especially in villages—will face legal consequences,” SSP Bakashaba affirmed.
He highlighted crime intelligence and informants as key tools in detecting and shutting down unauthorized betting centers and illegal slot machines.
Summing up the impact of responsible gaming, he stated:
“Gaming is like a razorblade—used correctly, it’s useful. Used wrongly, it causes harm.”
