UGANDA– Uganda’s National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB) has confiscated more than 123 illegal gaming machines during a coordinated enforcement operation across the Greater Katonga region.
The operation was conducted in collaboration with the Uganda Police Force under Operation Mashine Haramu, targeting unlicensed gaming activities in Mpigi, Mabuye, Katende, Kalagala and Nakirebe. The regulator also carried out compliance operations through its Greater Masaka team in Kyanamukaka, Lukaya, Kyotera, Mitondo, Katondo and Kyanjale.
According to the NLGRB, the enforcement action targeted gaming operations being conducted without the required licences and regulatory approvals. Under Uganda’s Lotteries and Gaming Act, the regulator has the authority to inspect gaming premises and seize equipment being used in illegal gaming activities.
The latest seizures form part of a wider enforcement campaign by the NLGRB against unlicensed gaming across the country. In May, the regulator reported recovering 169 illegal gaming machines during operations in West Nile, including Arua, Maracha, Koboko, Nebbi and Pakwach.
Earlier in March, the Board also reported the seizure of 129 illegal gaming machines and the closure of eight non-compliant gaming premises across the Kampala Metropolitan and Greater Kampala Metropolitan areas.
The regulator has also highlighted the scale of illegal gaming beyond physical gaming premises. In August, NLGRB Chief Executive Officer Denis Ngabirano told Parliament that the Board had confiscated 9,983 illegal gaming machines over a six-year period and blocked 57 illegal online gaming websites.
The NLGRB said it will continue working with the Uganda Police Force to identify and shut down illegal gaming operations while enforcing compliance with the country’s gambling regulations.
