The Mayor of Mbarara City, Robert Mugabe Kakyebezi, has voiced serious concern over unlicensed betting activities, which he said are fueling a rise in underage gambling, often involving stolen money or misused school fees.
Kakyebezi made the remarks on Tuesday during a high-level stakeholder engagement organized by the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board.
The event, held at Lake View Hotel in Mbarara, brought together senior Uganda Police Force officials from the Rwizi Region, including District Police Commanders (DPCs) and Officers in Charge of Criminal Investigations (OCIDs), as well as other key technical stakeholders.
“These engagements are crucial for strengthening collaboration, aligning enforcement strategies, and deepening the understanding of the regulatory framework to ensure a safe, transparent, and accountable gaming industry in Uganda,” Kakyebezi said.
He emphasized the importance of strict adherence to regulations to avoid legal repercussions, including the arrest of individuals who permit unauthorized or underage gambling.
The Mayor called for a united effort in regulating and licensing the gaming industry, thanking the Board for extending its stakeholder engagement initiatives to the regional level, particularly in Mbarara City.
Kakyebezi also welcomed plans to establish regional offices in Mbarara, urging leaders to understand and uphold the law to protect citizens especially the youth from the harms associated with illegal gaming practices.
“As you enforce the law against illegal operators and those who admit minors into betting shops, remind them of the law and arrest them if necessary,” Kakyebezi said.
He pledged full support for the Board’s efforts to promote responsible gaming and eliminate underage betting.
In his opening remarks, Denis Mudene, Chief Executive Officer of the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board, noted that the Board is deepening its partnership with the Uganda Police Force to regulate and enforce gaming activities as mandated by the Lotteries and Gaming Act, Cap 334.
Mudene announced that the Board, established in 2017, will begin expanding its operations through regional offices in Mbarara, Gulu, and Mbale starting July 1, 2025, with plans to open a total of six regional offices nationwide.
The meeting focused on enforcement activities, compliance challenges, and the rapid growth of the gaming sector, while also seeking feedback and experiences from stakeholders to improve regulatory collaboration.
