The National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB) is intensifying enforcement efforts to curb illegal gaming operations across Uganda, aiming to protect the public from the growing social and economic dangers of unregulated gambling.
Denis Mudene Ngabirano, CEO of the NLGRB, says the Board’s mandate goes beyond licensing operators — it’s about safeguarding citizens.
“We are here to supervise and regulate all gaming activities, but more importantly, to protect Ugandans from the harmful effects of gambling,” Ngabirano said.
Section 67 of the Lotteries and Gaming Act, Cap 334, gives the Board authority to penalize individuals and businesses operating without valid licenses or permitting access to minors. Offenders risk fines, imprisonment, or both.
To enforce this, the Board has deployed a dedicated Enforcement and Investigations team, supported by a nationwide Inspection and Compliance unit. These teams identify illegal operators, verify licenses, and take action against offenders.
The Board also works closely with communities and licensed operators to expose underground activity.
“Once we license someone, we publish their details so the public can verify. We also act on tips from licensed operators when illegal setups appear near them,” Ngabirano said.
One of the Board’s biggest concerns is the spread of unauthorized slot machines, or coin machines, especially in rural trading centers. These are often accessible to minors and banned under current law, which restricts gaming to town council jurisdictions.
“With police support, we’ve confiscated over 5,000 illegal machines,” Ngabirano revealed. “We’ve partnered with Luwero Industries to destroy them as part of our fight against unsafe gaming.”
The rise of unlicensed online betting platforms has also become a major challenge. Many of these platforms operate without approval, integrating with mobile money systems and reaching young users easily.
“So far, we’ve blocked 23 illegal betting websites with help from the Uganda Communications Commission and mobile money operators,” he added.
Ngabirano emphasized that regulation is not about stifling business, but about public safety.
“Gambling, when unregulated, leads to debt, school dropouts, and mental health problems. Our mission is to prevent that,” he said.
The NLGRB is also investing in responsible gaming awareness and digital monitoring tools. It is working with partners such as SafeBoda, Bank of Uganda, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Education to promote financial literacy and protect vulnerable players.
As Uganda’s gaming sector grows, the Board is clear: it must grow responsibly.