Uganda Gambling Board strengthens community ties through regulatory meetings
Stakeholder meetings highlight responsible play, regulatory clarity and community partnership.
Uganda.- The National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board of Uganda (NLGRB) has strengthened collaboration with district leaders in Lira and Gulu, towns in northern Uganda, through a series of stakeholder engagement meetings. The sessions aimed to raise awareness of the Board’s mandate, encourage responsible gaming and promote cooperation in enforcement and compliance.
The NLGRB said: “These stakeholder engagements were aimed at enlightening leaders on the Board’s mandate, promoting responsible gaming and fostering collaboration in enforcement and compliance.”
Attendees included chief administrative officers, senior management staff, community development officers, health educators and sub-accountants. The meetings provided a platform for local leaders to share perspectives on challenges posed by gambling in their communities.
Participants raised concerns about the widespread presence of slot machines and fish tables, noting that underage gambling often occurs secretly. Discussions also touched on regulatory clarity, including the distance required between gambling premises and restricted areas.
Participants also noted “perceived contradictions” between the Uganda Revenue Authority’s Electronic Fiscal Receipting and Invoicing System (EFRIS) and the Lotteries and Gaming Act. The EFRIS is a digital platform used to track sales, generate official receipts and ensure tax compliance.
New board builds community trust
Launched in August, the new board of the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB) is driving growth and responsibility in Uganda’s gambling sector.
Officials welcomed the Board’s outreach, commending the initiative and expressing appreciation for the opening of regional offices. Many said the sessions had improved their understanding of the regulator’s role.
The NLGRB said: “Participants expressed appreciation for the engagement, noting that it deepened their understanding of the Board’s mandate and the vital role districts play in fostering responsible gaming. They emphasised the importance of continued training and sensitisation to equip leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to safeguard their communities.”
By focusing on public awareness, community partnerships and regulatory clarity, the Board demonstrates how gaming can be conducted safely while contributing to economic and social development in the country.
