NLGRB Seizes Illegal Gaming Machines in Mbarara and Ibanda
The National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB) has scaled up its campaign against unauthorized gaming operations, impounding more than 80 unlicensed machines in Mbarara and Ibanda. The operation, code-named “Mashine Haramu,” is part of an ongoing nationwide effort to eliminate illegal gaming activities.
NLGRB Operations Manager, Mr. Steven Tabaruka said the crackdown is yielding significant results. “More than 6,000 illegal gaming machines have so far been impounded across Uganda as part of the ongoing enforcement operation,” he revealed. The initiative, he added, focuses on identifying and shutting down unregulated operators, suppliers, and manufacturers who exploit citizens and threaten the credibility of Uganda’s licensed gaming sector.
The crackdown in Mbarara and Ibanda comes after a major enforcement operation in Kampala, where NLGRB’s Enforcement and Investigation team, acting on a tip-off, raided a site in the Lungujja–Kikandwa area of Rubaga Division. During the operation, they confiscated 399 slot machine motherboards, 15 Chinese-manufactured slot machines, and two sacks of assorted spare parts.
Some community members welcomed the move, recalling how illegal gaming has affected their lives. Boda boda rider Joseph Kiwanuka shared his experience, saying he “lost money to a slot machine in 2004,” and has since avoided them.
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Mr. Tabaruka emphasized that the NLGRB’s main objective is to protect the public and promote responsible participation in gaming. He urged anyone involved in the sector to visit the Board’s offices in Mbarara or Kampala to ensure their operations comply with the law.
The Board continues to call on Ugandans to report any illegal or suspicious gaming activities, reinforcing its commitment to maintaining a transparent and well-regulated gaming environment throughout the country.
