By Delux Emmy Alomu
SOROTI CITY
The National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB) in Uganda has seized a total of 10,020 illegal gaming devices valued at around sh8.77 billion since the industry was regulated in the 2015/2016 financial year.
Jackline Kamakune, the Senior Communications Officer for the board, reported that of the confiscated equipment, 6,749 items worth sh6.21 billion have been destroyed following a court order obtained through the Standards and Utilities Court. These items, which include slot machines and fish table games, are destroyed to prevent them from reentering circulation.
She noted that with the assistance of police, several individuals involved in illegal activities have been apprehended, resulting in 24 prosecutions, of which 21 have led to convictions.
There are three ongoing cases in court, and the board has successfully closed 23 illegal websites after collaborating with the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC). So far, 19 Ugandan nationals and five Chinese nationals have been arrested as suspects in illegal gaming operations.
Kamakune shared these details during a stakeholder engagement event held with the media in the Teso sub-region at Timisha Hotel in Soroti City on October 13, 2026.
She mentioned that the board has recorded 125 complaints, including instances of unpaid players totaling sh2.66 billion for the 2025/2026 financial year to date. In addition, the regulatory board has tackled approximately 112 different cases related to other complaints valued at sh2.57 billion.
The board has also received 2,388 calls through its call center, including 320 concerning responsible gaming. Out of these, 32 individuals identified themselves as having gambling addictions and are seeking counseling and treatment. Some callers are requesting refunds for money they claim to have lost to betting. Moreover, the call center has identified 83 players wishing to self-exclude or take breaks from gaming indefinitely.
Thanks to the national central electronic monitoring system implemented by the board, over 16,728 self-exclusions have been logged as players request their accounts be blocked or suspended until they feel ready to resume gaming responsibly.
Kamakune highlighted that the board’s revenue collection has seen significant growth, increasing from sh17.4 billion in 2015/2016 to sh355.4 billion in the 2025/2026 financial year, with funds directed to the government treasury as managed by the Uganda Revenue Authority. Additionally, the non-tax revenue collected by the board rose from sh1.14 billion in 2019/2020 to sh12.5 billion for the last financial year.
Stephen Tabaruka, the Operations Manager at the board, emphasized that the purpose of the engagement was to provide accountability regarding their efforts—showcasing past achievements, future plans, and the importance of collaborating to communicate accurate information, recognizing the influential role that media professionals play in disseminating these messages.
“If we don’t work with you, our efforts, achievements, deliverables, mission and vision will remain in our custody. but when you speak, the public listens. so, we want to pattern with you, so that when you speak, you speak from an informed point of view,” Tabaruka said.
Lydia Matama, the Senior Regional Officer at the Mbale regional office, mentioned that some operators and manufacturers are resistant to comply with regulations. She encouraged journalists to report these cases, as they are few and far between.
Regarding licensing fees, Matama explained that the minimum capital required is sh250 million for betting machines, sh1 billion for casinos, sh259 million for intermediaries, sh5 million for Ugandans applying, and sh50,000 for foreign applicants.
It was also noted that gaming has detrimental effects, contributing to addiction and various social issues.
Problems include underage gambling and financial challenges, where individuals may deplete their savings or borrow money to gamble.
The youth are particularly vulnerable, often viewing gambling as a shortcut to wealth, while it should be understood as a form of entertainment and a game of chance.
The board has identified that gaming can lead to family and social breakdown due to financial losses, mental health issues, anxiety, depression, stress, and addiction.
Under their responsible gaming initiative, the team is focusing on raising awareness among individuals under 25, who are prohibited from gambling, as well as urging adults to play responsibly.
Research conducted by the board in 2023 revealed that 99% of those engaged in gaming are men, with 58% being youth.
According to board operator data, 63 licensed operators are active across 2,111 premises.
