Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

East AfricaNewsResponsible GamblingUganda

Uganda losing Billions resulting from Uninspected betting machines

Uganda is losing billions of shillings in betting because betting organizations utilize untested, uninspected, and unverified equipment, according to the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board. Uganda Uninspected Betting Machines

While Section 4 of the Lotteries and Gaming Act of 2016 requires the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board to issue licenses to lotteries, casinos, gaming, and betting companies, the Uganda National Bureau of Standards – UNBS lacks the tools needed to test and certify gaming equipment.

The void has resulted in an invasion of substandard and unendorsed gambling machines, generally known as slot or poker machines, into the country, where they are being exploited to scam their unwary customers.

The discovery was made by the board members, led by Acting Chief Executive Officer and Head of Strategy and Corporate Affairs Denis Ngabirano, during a meeting with the Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities, and State Enterprises – COSASE on Tuesday. The officials appeared to be responding to questions presented by the Auditor General’s report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022. Uganda Uninspected Betting Machines

Read More: Kenyan Government Suspends Worldcoin Amids Safety Concerns

Ngabirano indicated that the UNBS, which is tasked with fostering trade fairness and precision in the industry through accurate measurement systems, lacks the necessary tool to enforce the requirements. He explained that the Board relies on prequalified external testing laboratories with ISO certification, an independent and non-governmental organization that creates standards to ensure the quality, safety, and efficiency of products.

The remark drew criticism from Bukoto Central Member of Parliament Richard Ssebamala, who accused the Board of failing to execute on its role and allowing Ugandans to be duped by gambling investors.

The Committee Chairperson, Joel Ssenyonyi, questioned why the Board would register and license betting enterprises without ensuring that machine requirements are enforced to the detriment of unwary clients.

Deborah Kituyi, the Board’s Legal Manager, stated that underfunding and understaffing are two major issues hurting their operations. Only 36 of the 51 approved roles have been filled, leaving a 15-position shortfall.

The Board failed to prepare Statutory Regulations to regulate the industry, according to the Auditor General. In addition, in violation of the Lotteries and Gaming Act of 2015, it failed to compile a National Register of gaming or betting machines and devices. This loophole was discovered to complicate license monitoring and renewal, exposing industry participants to the risks of fraud and the use of improper machinery and equipment.


Check out the latest news here. You are welcome to join our super exclusive iGaming Afrika Telegram Forum for all the latest and breaking news in the African Gambling industry. We would also like to hear from you, Message us on Telegram here or write to editor@igamingafrika.com Uganda Uninspected Betting Machines

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button

You cannot copy content of this page

Adblock Detected

Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker