Uganda’s NLGRB Joins UCC Telecom Engagement to Strengthen Responsible Gaming Controls

Uganda’s gambling regulator has joined a stakeholder engagement with the Uganda Communications Commission and licensed telecom operators, reinforcing the role of internet service providers in blocking illegal gambling websites and supporting responsible gaming.

Uganda’s National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board participated in a stakeholder engagement organised by the Uganda Communications Commission alongside licensed telecommunications operators, as the country strengthens cooperation between digital regulators and the gaming sector.

The meeting was held at UCC House under the theme “Fostering a Culture of Compliance and Responsible Communication among Licensed Operators.” It brought together executives from Uganda’s telecommunications sector to discuss regulatory compliance, service quality, infrastructure development and the role of operators in supporting the country’s digital transformation agenda.

For the gambling sector, the key message came from NLGRB CEO Denis Mudene Ngabirano, who highlighted the growing importance of telecom operators and internet service providers in protecting consumers from illegal online gaming. He commended operators for supporting the blocking of illegal gaming websites through UCC directives and called for deeper cooperation between the communications and gambling regulators.

Ngabirano also urged telecom companies to become “Responsible Gaming Ambassadors” by supporting public awareness campaigns, educating consumers about gaming risks and helping promote responsible gambling messages through their communication channels.

Another important part of the discussion was the monitoring of internet traffic linked to betting platforms. The NLGRB encouraged telecom operators to assist in identifying illegal gaming activity that could expose users to financial losses, fraud and wider social harm. This reflects the regulator’s broader effort to treat illegal online gambling not only as a licensing issue, but also as a digital safety and consumer protection challenge.

The engagement follows earlier discussions between NLGRB and UCC on monitoring digital gambling content and gambling-related advertising across online and broadcast platforms. As Uganda’s betting market becomes more digital, cooperation with telecom operators is becoming increasingly important for enforcement, content control and responsible communication.

For licensed operators, the development signals a more coordinated regulatory environment. Gambling businesses, telecom companies and digital platforms are likely to face growing expectations around compliance, responsible messaging and support for enforcement against unlicensed competitors.

The meeting shows that Uganda is building a broader approach to gambling oversight, involving not only the gaming regulator but also communications authorities and infrastructure providers. If this cooperation continues, it could strengthen the country’s ability to block illegal operators, protect vulnerable users and support a more transparent regulated market.