Uganda: Members of Parliament (MPs) demand tougher action against illegal gaming in rural areas

The National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board has been directed to strengthen the regulation of gaming activities warning that unlicensed operators are increasingly exploiting communities especially in rural areas. The legislators on the Committee of Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) tasked the Board to intensify licensing, monitoring and enforcement against illegal lotteries, gaming machines and online platforms. Kalungu County West MP, Hon. Joseph Ssewungu said several gaming and lottery businesses operated by foreign nationals have spread to rural areas where enforcement remains inadequate. “Many Indians, Chinese and other Asians have established gaming and lottery businesses in rural areas. Licensing is a source of revenue for your entity because your budget is minimal and our interest is in licensing,” Ssewungu said during the COSASE meeting on Wednesday, 26 August 2026. He cited Kalungu District, where he previously intervened to close several unlicensed lottery businesses that were collecting money from unsuspecting residents. “Many of them were not licensed but were charging money. People were complaining that they have sold all their co