Uganda’s gaming regulator joins forces with Judiciary and ODPP in nationwide crackdown on illegal gaming machines

The National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB) has formalised a strategic partnership with the Judiciary and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to enhance enforcement action against unlicensed gaming operations and illegal machines across Uganda.

At a stakeholder summit held in Kampala, NLGRB-Chief Executive Denis Mudene Ngabirano emphasised the importance of multi-agency collaboration, explaining that the board will now coordinate with judicial and prosecutorial bodies to establish dedicated gaming offence courts, share intelligence and deliver joint trainings for judges and prosecutors.

 The campaign is built on the NLGRB’s ongoing operation codenamed Mashine Haramu which has seen more than 6,000 illegal gaming machines seized as of mid-October 2025.
Under the alliance, the Judiciary will deploy a panel of magistrates specialising in gaming-law cases, while the ODPP will fast-track prosecution of offences under the Lotteries and Gaming Act (Cap 334). The NLGRB said the move aims to “build a regulated, transparent and responsible gaming environment that protects Ugandans and supports legitimate business”.
For business operators, affiliates and regulators in the gambling ecosystem the development signals a surge in enforcement risk and compliance priorities. The enhanced scrutiny may affect licensing processes, equipment import controls, and shareholder liability for non-compliant operations.