Uganda Gaming Regulatory Board and Police Force unite to enforce betting laws

The National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB) and the Uganda Police Force have deepened their partnership to enhance enforcement of gaming laws in the Rwizi Region. This development follows a high-level stakeholder engagement held on May 27, 2025, at the Lake View Hotel in Mbarara, which brought together District Police Commanders, criminal investigations officers, local leaders, media representatives, and other key stakeholders.

The engagement aimed to align enforcement efforts, strengthen compliance, and promote a clearer understanding of Uganda’s gaming regulations under the Lotteries and Gaming Act, Cap 334. In his opening remarks, NLGRB Chief Executive Officer Mr. Denis Mudene underscored the importance of collaborative enforcement to protect Ugandans, combat underage gambling, and maintain public order.

“Gaming is a form of leisure, not a guaranteed way to make money. Only adults should participate—and they must do so responsibly,” said Mr. Mudene. He also raised concerns about the rising number of minors accessing gambling platforms by using their parents’ phones. He cautioned parents against registering SIM cards in their names and handing them over to children, which allows underage users to bypass identity checks.

Highlighting the scale of the issue, Mr. Mudene noted that 93% of gambling activity in Uganda occurs online, often by corporate employees. However, when children use phones registered in their parents’ names, they easily pass age-verification procedures, making parental vigilance essential.

Mbarara City Mayor Robert Mugabe Kakyebezi commended the NLGRB’s efforts to bring regulatory attention to the grassroots level. He expressed concern over illegal betting shops and reported cases of school children misusing fees or stealing to fund gambling habits. He urged law enforcement to crack down on such operators and ensure that gaming laws are respected.

Senior Superintendent of Police Bosco Bakashaba, Deputy Regional Police Commander for Rwizi Region, pledged full police support in the fight against illegal and non-compliant gaming operations. He warned that betting outlets allowing underage access or operating without licenses, particularly in rural areas, will face legal action.

SSP Bakashaba also stressed the role of crime intelligence and informants in identifying and dismantling illegal gaming setups. “Gaming is like a razorblade,” he said. “Used correctly, it is beneficial. Misused, it can cause real harm.”

As Uganda’s gaming industry continues to grow, collaborations between regulators, law enforcement, and community leaders are becoming increasingly critical. These joint efforts aim to ensure a safe, transparent, and law-abiding gaming environment that safeguards the wellbeing of all citizens.