Uganda joins continental safer gambling initiative

What the report says

Uganda has joined the inaugural Africa Safer Gambling Week, a continental campaign running from 7 to 11 September 2026 and aimed at improving player protection across Africa. According to The Independent Uganda, the initiative brings together regulators, industry groups, operators and safer-gambling organisations under the coordination of the African iGaming Alliance, with a focus on awareness, informed choice and access to support.

The National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB) said Uganda’s participation reflects the country’s rapidly changing gaming market, where most activity is now online. Its chief executive, Denis Mudene Ngabirano, said the regulator’s role now extends beyond licensing and compliance to stronger protection for players as access to gaming becomes easier. The paper also reported that operators and mental health professionals are involved in the effort.

The article said Uganda is already running responsible-gaming measures through the NLGRB, including outreach in schools and use of technology such as self-exclusion systems. It reported that the Board’s awareness programmes have reached students and teachers nationwide, while its call centre and counselling referrals have handled gambling-related enquiries and support requests. The regulator is also taking the campaign into communities, including boda boda riders, students, market traders and taxi workers.

The development matters because Uganda’s gaming sector is expanding and increasingly digital. The Independent reported that the industry has 63 licensed operators, contributes substantial revenue to government and supports thousands of jobs, but the regulator says growth must be matched by stronger consumer protection.