NLGRB Teams Up with Police and Lira City Leaders to Strengthen Regulated Gaming

The National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB) has conducted a strategic, multi-agency stakeholder engagement in Lira City, bringing together regional security commanders and local government administrators to harmonize enforcement and foster a safer gaming environment.

The meeting brought together key regional figures, including the Regional Police Commander, the Regional Prisons Commander, senior officers from the Uganda Police Force, the Resident City Commissioner, the Mayor, and town clerks. Discussions focused on clarifying jurisdictional roles, raising public awareness, and strengthening coordinated enforcement against unlicensed gambling operators.

Under the Lotteries and Gaming Act, commercial betting and gaming are restricted to gazetted urban centers, such as cities, municipalities, and town councils, to safeguard vulnerable citizens and young people from gambling-related harm. Unlicensed slot machines and illegal gaming dens have faced increasing scrutiny nationwide, prompting joint operations such as Operation Mashine Haramu, which previously impounded 286 illegal slot machines across Lira City and the Busoga region.

Regulatory officials emphasized that lasting compliance requires active, ongoing cooperation among national regulatory bodies, security forces, and municipal leaders. By aligning local administrative actions with statutory regulations, authorities aim to prevent jurisdictional overlap during field operations and encourage legitimate operators to maintain strict licensing standards.

Jimmy Angole, Deputy Town Clerk, Lira City West Division, said:  “We need more awareness sessions to educate leaders and communities on their respective roles. This will help reduce jurisdictional overlap especially in enforcement activities.”