The National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board of Uganda (NLGRB) has recently conducted a series of stakeholder engagement meetings in the northern districts of Lira and Gulu.
These sessions, held in the respective district boardrooms, were aimed at strengthening collaboration with district leaders to promote responsible gaming and enhance enforcement and compliance.
The meetings were attended by a range of local officials from Uganda, including Chief Administrative Officers, senior management staff, Community Development Officers, Health Educators, and Sub-Accountants.
The primary objective of these engagements was to raise awareness of the NLGRB’s mandate and to foster a cooperative approach to addressing the challenges posed by gambling within the communities.
During the sessions, local leaders had the opportunity to share their perspectives on the impact of gambling in their districts. Concerns were raised about the prevalence of underage gambling, the widespread presence of slot machines and fish tables, and the need for greater regulatory clarity.
One health educator shared a concerning case in which university tuition funds were lost to gambling, while another highlighted an instance of children using money intended for household necessities to play slot machines.
The NLGRB’s outreach was well-received by the district officials, who commended the initiative and expressed their appreciation for the opening of regional offices.
They emphasized the importance of continued training and sensitization to improve their understanding of the regulator’s role. Participants also recommended the involvement of political leaders in future engagements to ensure community-wide cooperation.
This initiative follows the launch of the NLGRB in August, when the government tasked the body with overseeing Uganda’s gaming sector, with a focus on public protection and market regulation.
