Uganda's lottery watchdog joins Makerere to shut down student betting

Makerere University's Guild leadership and the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board of Uganda (NLGRB) signed a pivotal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Monday, March 17, 2025.

The collaborative partnership aims to create a comprehensive approach to responsible gaming, focusing on preventing underage gambling and mitigating its devastating effects on student communities.

Key Highlights of the Partnership

H.E Vincent Lubega Nsamba, outgoing Guild President of Makerere University, and Mr. Denis Mudene, CEO of NLGRB, formalized the agreement, signaling a strong commitment to student welfare.

"The gambling vice has left many of our students dealing with mental health problems and at risk of losing their property to money lenders," Nsamba emphasized. "Problem gambling has led to numerous students dropping out of school."

Alarming Statistics Driving the Initiative

Recent surveys conducted by NLGRB reveal a troubling trend: 54% of gamblers are under 30 years old, a demographic that significantly includes university students. This statistic underscores the urgent need for intervention.

Comprehensive Approach to Responsible Gaming

The partnership will focus on:

• Creating awareness about responsible gaming
• Sensitizing students about gaming laws and regulations
• Developing joint strategies to protect youth from gaming industry risks
• Utilizing social media platforms for educational outreach

Mudene stated the organization's clear stance: "When we speak to people above 25, we advise playing responsibly—setting limits and betting only what one can afford to lose. But for schools and universities, our message is unequivocal: No to gambling."

Looking Forward

The MOU is part of NLGRB's Responsible Gaming Programme (RGP), which integrates treatment, counseling, public awareness, education, and research on gambling and its potential harmful effects.

By empowering student leaders and creating a culture of accountability, the partnership hopes to break the cycle of gambling addiction and protect the future of Uganda's youth.