The National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB), working with the Uganda Police Force has confiscated 184 illegal gaming machines in an enforcement operation targeting unlicensed gambling activities in Kampala and five districts.
The operation covered parts of Kampala Metropolitan, Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area, Buhweju, Manafwa, Luwero, Nakaseke and Nakasongola districts as the regulator intensifies efforts to eliminate illegal gaming machines and protect the public from gambling-related harm.
In an enforcement update, the Board said the exercise was part of its continued campaign against illegal gaming operators, suppliers and manufacturers operating outside the country’s regulatory framework.
“We remain committed to combating illegal gaming and protecting the public from gaming harm,” the Board said.
The latest seizures were conducted under Operation Mashine Haramu, a nationwide enforcement campaign targeting unlicensed gaming machines and the networks involved in their manufacture, supply and distribution.
The campaign has seen the regulator work closely with police, local leaders and community members to identify illegal gaming establishments, conduct inspections and confiscate equipment being operated without the required licences.
In October 2026, the Board reported confiscating more than 200 illegal gaming machines in parts of Kampala Metropolitan, Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area, Isingiro, Kibuku, Pallisa and Lamwo districts. Another operation announced on October 16 resulted in the seizure of more than 170 machines from Ibanda, Mbarara, Kabale, Masaka, Pallisa, Butebo, Namutumba, Apac, Nwoya, Oyam and Kole.
The regulator has also moved against individuals involved in the supply and manufacture of illegal gaming equipment. On October 14, 2026, the Board, with police support, arrested a Chinese national, Zheng Lin Qiang, in Masaka after he was allegedly found in possession of illegal gaming equipment. He was subsequently charged before the Standards, Utilities and Wildlife Court in Makindye with making gaming and betting machines available without a licence.
The enforcement campaign has extended beyond confiscating machines to destroying equipment seized during previous operations. In February 2026, more than 400 pieces of illegal gaming equipment, including slot machines, fish tables and spare parts, were destroyed at Luwero Industries following a court order.
The Board has also been working with the Uganda Communications Commission to address illegal online gaming activities, including blocking websites operated by unlicensed gaming companies.
Alongside the enforcement operations, the regulator has intensified public sensitisation campaigns aimed at educating Ugandans about responsible gaming, underage gambling and the financial and social consequences of gambling addiction.
The awareness programmes have reached schools, markets, boda boda riders, media practitioners and other sections of the public. Among the areas where the Board has conducted engagements are Mbale, Buikwe, Bugolobi Market and Kireka, while another sensitisation exercise at the National Theatre focused on gaming and public safety.
The Board has also engaged students to discourage underage gaming and educate young people about the risks associated with gambling. Its responsible gaming campaigns emphasise that betting and other gaming activities should be treated as entertainment rather than a dependable source of income.
The regulator has encouraged gaming participants to set limits on the money and time they spend gambling and to seek assistance whenever gaming begins affecting their financial stability, families and personal lives.
Under the Lotteries and Gaming Act, 2016, the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board is mandated to license, regulate and supervise lotteries, casinos, gaming and betting activities in Uganda.
The law provides for regulatory oversight of gaming businesses, including licensing requirements for operators and the equipment used in gaming activities.
The Board has urged members of the public to support its enforcement efforts by reporting illegal gaming operators, suppliers and manufacturers through its toll-free helpline 0800285800, WhatsApp number 0760597435 or email address info@lgrb.go.ug.
The regulator says enforcement operations will continue as it seeks to ensure that gaming activities across the country comply with the law and that the public is protected from harmful gambling practices.
