Uganda Seizes 80 Illegal Gaming Machines in Mbarara and Ibanda Districts
Uganda’s National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board has confiscated more than 80 unauthorized gaming machines in Mbarara and Ibanda districts through Operation “Mashine Haramu.” Meanwhile, the enforcement campaign has seized over 6,000 unlicensed machines nationwide since operations began.
Nationwide Campaign Addresses Compliance Violations
The regulatory board’s enforcement actions focus on protecting vulnerable communities from exploitation by unlicensed operators. Therefore, the campaign encourages gaming businesses to regularize their operations through NLGRB offices in Mbarara or Kampala. Moreover, the operation follows the arrest of a Kampala technician last month for possessing hundreds of slot machine motherboards. Consequently, authorities continue targeting the supply chain supporting illegal gaming activities.
Local residents in affected areas have reported personal and community losses linked to unauthorized gaming machines. Meanwhile, community members described the equipment as harmful to neighborhood welfare. Additionally, residents urged regulators to continue enforcement efforts against illegal operators. Therefore, public support strengthens the regulatory board’s mandate to eliminate unlicensed gaming activities.
Stakeholder Engagement Supplements Enforcement Strategy
The board conducts ongoing stakeholder engagement initiatives in northern districts addressing compliance awareness and underage gambling concerns. Subsequently, these discussions promote community cooperation with regulatory objectives. Moreover, the engagement strategy combines enforcement actions with educational outreach to gaming operators. Therefore, the comprehensive approach aims to establish long-term compliance throughout Uganda’s gaming sector.
The enforcement campaign represents intensified regulatory oversight of gaming activities across multiple districts. Meanwhile, authorities emphasize the importance of operating within legal frameworks established by the board. Consequently, the operation protects consumers while supporting legitimate gaming businesses that comply with licensing requirements and industry standards.
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