Stakeholder engagement in Lira focuses on stronger enforcement, regulatory compliance and responsible gaming across Uganda’s growing gaming sector.
Uganda’s National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB) is strengthening cooperation with law-enforcement authorities and local government leaders in Lira City as part of efforts to improve compliance and promote a more regulated gaming environment.
The engagement brings together the regulator, police and city leadership to strengthen coordination around the implementation of Uganda’s gaming laws. The initiative reflects the importance of collaboration between regulatory authorities and local stakeholders in addressing illegal gaming activities and ensuring licensed operators comply with established requirements.
The NLGRB is mandated to license, regulate and supervise Uganda’s lotteries, gaming and betting industry under the Lotteries and Gaming Act, 2016, now referenced as Cap 334. Its regulatory responsibilities include licensing, setting standards, compliance monitoring, enforcement and promoting responsible gaming.
Strengthening enforcement through collaboration
Cooperation with the Uganda Police Force remains an important component of the NLGRB’s enforcement strategy.
Previous stakeholder engagements between the Board and police authorities have focused on aligning enforcement approaches, improving understanding of gaming legislation and addressing operators who conduct activities without the required licences.
In a similar engagement in the Rwizi Region, NLGRB officials and police leaders discussed measures to tackle illegal operators and gaming establishments that allow underage individuals to participate. Police authorities also highlighted the importance of intelligence and community information in identifying illegal gaming machines and unauthorised betting centres.
The Lira engagement builds on this broader approach, with stronger cooperation intended to help local authorities identify regulatory concerns and support enforcement where necessary.
Local leadership plays a key role
Engagement with Lira City leaders also provides the NLGRB with an opportunity to strengthen understanding of its regulatory mandate at the local level.
The Board has previously conducted stakeholder engagements in Lira and Gulu districts, bringing together technical officials to discuss responsible gaming, compliance and enforcement. Those discussions highlighted concerns around the presence of gaming machines, underage participation and the need for continued awareness among local leaders.
Such engagement allows local authorities to better understand the requirements governing gaming operations and their role in supporting a compliant sector.
For the regulator, collaboration at district and city level is particularly relevant as gaming activities extend beyond major urban centres and into communities where local authorities and police are often the first points of contact when regulatory concerns arise.
Promoting responsible gaming
Beyond enforcement, the NLGRB’s engagement strategy also places emphasis on responsible gaming and community protection.
The Board has conducted awareness initiatives with local government officials, schools, media organisations and other stakeholders to increase understanding of the potential risks associated with gaming and the importance of protecting young people.
The NLGRB’s wider mandate is to establish a fair, transparent and socially responsible gaming environment while protecting Ugandans from the adverse effects of gaming.
Part of wider regulatory efforts
The Lira initiative comes as the NLGRB continues to strengthen its enforcement activities across Uganda.
In May 2026, the regulator, working alongside the Uganda Police Force, confiscated 169 illegal gaming machines during an enforcement operation covering several areas of the West Nile region. The Board said the operation formed part of its continuing efforts to ensure gaming activities comply with regulatory requirements.
The latest engagement with police and Lira City leadership therefore forms part of a broader effort to improve coordination between regulators, law enforcement and local authorities.
By strengthening these partnerships, the NLGRB is seeking to support greater compliance among gaming operators while reinforcing responsible gaming standards and addressing unauthorised activities within Uganda’s gaming market.
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