In a major enforcement operation in downtown Kampala, the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB) confiscated over 198 illegal slot machines and 12 boxes of gaming machine-related spare parts.

Denis Mudene Ngabirano, Chief Executive Officer of NLGRB, highlighted the significance of this operation as part of the NLGRB’s ongoing efforts to clamp down on unlicensed coin-operated machines in Uganda.

“We have captured 198 illegal slot machines and 12 boxes of spare parts. This is part of our ongoing enforcement against unlicensed coin machines, driven largely by intelligence gathering. We receive information on suppliers and manufacturers of these illegal machines,” Ngabirano stated.

Ngabirano also emphasized that the board’s efforts are focused on tracing the origins of these illegal machines.

“The team has targeted a showroom where these machines are sold. However, our goal is to trace back to the manufacturing and assembly points. I am confident that we will uncover these locations and confiscate all the illegal machines and spare parts stored there,” he added.

In his appeal to the public, Ngabirano called for assistance in identifying the locations where these illegal gaming machines are manufactured and assembled.

“I urge all Ugandans with information on the manufacturing and assembly of these illegal machines to come forward. This will help us protect citizens from substandard and unlicensed gaming equipment,” he emphasized.

Ngabirano also reminded potential manufacturers about the licensing requirements for producing gaming machines in Uganda.

“Anyone wishing to manufacture and supply gaming equipment must obtain a license. Currently, there are only two licensed operators in the country, providing equipment that meets international standards.”

Aloysius Mugasa Adyeri, Chairman of the NLGRB, revealed that these enforcement exercises are crucial for ensuring that the gaming sector is well-regulated and for protecting citizens from the harmful effects of illegal gaming machines.

“What we do is regulate the sector in this country and make sure the sector is run properly and save citizens and non-citizens from the effects of adverse gaming,” Adyeri said.

The NLGRB currently has over 3,500 confiscated gaming machines stored in its warehouses, with plans already underway to destroy this illegal equipment.