The National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB) has partnered with the Online Media Publishers Association Uganda (OMPA-U) to promote responsible gaming and curb the growing risks associated with gambling, particularly among young people.
The collaboration was formalised during a stakeholder engagement held in Kampala, where both parties agreed to strengthen awareness campaigns and support the Board’s regulatory mandate through digital media platforms.
The initiative comes at a time when Uganda’s gaming sector is expanding rapidly, largely driven by mobile money services and increased internet access. Regulators say the shift toward digital platforms has made betting more accessible, but also heightened the risk of gambling-related harm.
Adrine Otunga, Manager Legal at NLGRB, said the partnership is aimed at driving behavioural change while also supporting policy development.
“We are strengthening our partnership with OMPA to not only drive positive mindset change but also to collaboratively shape and enhance policies that support responsible gaming across all platforms,” she said.
Data presented during the engagement highlights the scale of the issue. Online betting now accounts for 93 percent of gaming activity in Uganda, while a 2025 GeoPoll survey shows that 87 percent of Ugandans have placed bets and 57 percent of young people are actively engaged in gambling.
NLGRB spokesperson Jackie Kamakune said the Board is increasingly concerned about the social impact of these trends, especially among youth.
“The growth has been rapid and largely digital, which makes access easier but also increases vulnerability,” Kamakune said. “This partnership is about strengthening awareness and ensuring Ugandans are protected through responsible gaming.”
She added that the regulator is seeing a rise in cases of problem gambling, with issues such as addiction, debt, and mental health challenges becoming more prevalent.
“We are seeing growing cases of problem gambling, especially among the youth. Enforcement alone is not enough. We need sustained public education to promote safer choices,” she said.
OMPA-U, which brings together 31 online media platforms with a combined reach of over 12 million Ugandans, is expected to play a central role in delivering the awareness campaign.
Speaking at the engagement, OMPA-U President Giles Muhame said the association is ready to support the regulator using data-driven storytelling and digital content.
He emphasised the importance of correcting public misconceptions about gambling, particularly the belief that it can serve as a reliable source of income.
“Gaming must be understood as entertainment, not employment,” Muhame said. “If we don’t change that mindset, we risk normalising financial harm, especially among young people.”
The partnership comes amid rapid growth in the gaming sector. Betting turnover has surged from approximately Shs500 billion in the 2021/22 financial year to nearly Shs8 trillion by the end of 2024/25.
While the industry contributes to government revenue and employs more than 10,000 people, officials warn that the social costs are also rising.
Kamakune said the Board will continue enforcement efforts against illegal operators, but stressed that long-term impact will depend on collaboration with stakeholders, including the media.
“Responsible gaming is a shared responsibility,” she said. “By working together, we can build a well-informed gaming environment that protects Ugandans while supporting a regulated industry.”
