NLGRB partners with Makerere University to combat student problem gambling
Problem gambling has led to many students dropping out of school.
Uganda.- Makerere University’s student leadership has taken a proactive step to address student problem gambling by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB).
The pact will see the two entities collaborate on awareness campaigns and research initiatives to prevent and reduce problem gambling among students.
Vincent Lubega Nsamba, outgoing guild president, signed the agreement on behalf of the Makerere University student body. He said: “The gambling vice has left many of our students dealing with mental health problems and putting many at risk of losing their property to money lenders. Problem gambling has led to so many students dropping out of school.”
Nsamba said that the partnership will focus on several areas, including raising awareness about responsible gaming, sensitising students to gaming laws and regulations, and collaborating on strategies to protect youths and minors from the adverse effects of gambling.
The NLGRB was represented by its CEO, Denis Mudene, who signed the agreement. He said: “Our recent survey found that 54% of gamblers are below 30 years. This category includes university students, and we are saying no to underage gambling. With this Makerere University partnership, we aim to address this issue head-on.”
The MOU represents one of the key initiatives under the NLGRB’s responsible gaming programme.
The programme combines several activities, such as treatment, counselling, public awareness campaigns, education, training and research to protect Ugandans from the potential harms of gaming.
Mudene added: “We commit to continue spreading the gospel truth regarding responsible gaming and supporting university initiatives. When we are speaking to people above 25, we tell them to play responsibly: set limits, walk away or bet only what they can afford to lose. When we get to schools, our message is a firm no to gambling, and it is the same message we want to put forward in universities.”
