Uganda MPs demand tougher action against illegal gaming in rural areas
Lawmakers raised concerns about illegal gaming activities in rural areas and urged the regulator to improve its monitoring and enforcement measures.
Uganda.- Ugandan lawmakers have called on the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB) to strengthen enforcement against illegal gaming, particularly in rural communities.
The demand was made on Wednesday, August 26, when the regulator appeared before Parliament’s Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) to respond to issues raised in the Auditor General’s report for the 2024/25 financial year.
During the hearing, lawmakers raised concerns about illegal gaming activities in rural areas and urged the regulator to improve its monitoring and enforcement measures.
The concerns extend beyond traditional gaming premises as more gambling activity moves online. The NLGRB has previously estimated that about 93 per cent of gaming activity in the country takes place online, compared with 7 per cent through physical outlets.
The shift has created additional enforcement challenges, as unlicensed operators can reach consumers through websites and other digital platforms without maintaining physical premises that regulators can inspect.
To tackle illegal online gambling, the NLGRB has been working with the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) to restrict access to unauthorised websites. The regulator identifies illegal gaming websites, after which the UCC works with telecommunications companies and internet service providers to block access to them.
NLGRB chief executive officer Denis Mudene has also called on telecommunications companies and ISPs to play a greater role in identifying illegal online gambling. The regulator wants the companies to report suspicious platforms and activities and support efforts to direct consumers towards licensed operators.
The regulator has also intensified action against illegal gaming machines. Its nationwide Operation Mashine Haramu, conducted with the Uganda Police Force, has resulted in the seizure of more than 6,000 unlicensed gaming machines.
The COSASE intervention places greater focus on enforcement in underserved areas, particularly outside Uganda’s main urban centres, where lawmakers believe illegal operators are exploiting gaps in oversight.
NLGRB is expected to continue working with law-enforcement and communications authorities to identify unlicensed operators, seize illegal gaming machines and restrict access to unauthorised online platforms.
