Uganda’s gambling regulator supports licensed operators as it cracks down on illegal machines
Operation Mashine Haramu in Kamuli removes unlicensed gaming machines, protecting players and strengthening Uganda’s regulated gambling sector.
Uganda.- In a decisive move to uphold the integrity of Uganda’s gambling industry and to protect players, the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB), in partnership with the Uganda Police, carried out an operation in the Kamuli District, targeting unlicensed gaming machines under Operation Mashine Haramu.
The raid on December 13 uncovered an illegal gaming machine operation linked to a Chinese national on December 5. Acting under a court order, authorities conducted coordinated searches at two locations in Bukolobe and Bunangwe, seizing a variety of equipment.
Among the confiscated items were 13 fish tables and three slot machines, alongside supporting devices such as 32 TV screens, 17 boxes of spare parts and five generators, possibly used to power and maintain the machines.
“The suspect is still at large, and investigations are ongoing,” the NLGRB said, emphasising the critical role of citizens in reporting illegal activity. The Board expressed gratitude to the community for its vigilance, highlighting how public participation strengthens the safety of Uganda’s regulated gaming sector.
Backing licensed gaming, protecting Players
By removing unlicensed machines, the NLGRB is protecting players and supporting a regulated, safe and responsible gaming environment. These measures help ensure that licensed operators can provide fair and trusted gaming experiences for Ugandans, bolstering confidence in the industry while enabling sustainable growth.
Outlining its enforcement mandate, the regulator said: “By exercising its legal mandate, the NLGRB aims to protect the public from the risks associated with illegal gaming activities and uphold the integrity of the gaming industry in Uganda.”
Operation Mashine Haramu continues to demonstrate the NLGRB’s commitment to a safe, responsible and thriving gambling industry, where players can enjoy entertainment confidently and licensed operators can grow sustainably.
