Uganda's gaming regulators train to strengthen crackdown on illegal operations
The National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB) in Uganda recently held a training workshop on case file management and prosecution readiness. Officials from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) led the sessions, aiming to sharpen legal skills among regulatory staff. The event also reinforced the board’s role in Uganda’s ongoing crackdown on illegal gaming operations under the #MashineHaramu campaign. The workshop focused on standardising how staff collect and preserve evidence, including confiscated slot machines and financial records linked to unlawful activities. Participants received training on the exact evidentiary requirements under the Lotteries and Gaming Act, ensuring charges are properly framed before cases reach court.
Dr Daisy Nabasitu, Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions at ODPP, stressed that successful prosecutions rely on credible evidence and strict adherence to legal procedures. The programme also helped staff establish clear, structured systems for documenting violations, reducing delays and closing operational gaps. Ms Deborah Kituyi, Senior Manager of Legal and Board Affairs at NLGRB, highlighted the training’s broader impact. She noted it would strengthen the board’s capacity in investigations, evidence handling, witness statements, and maintaining chain of custody. The joint initiative equipped regulatory officers and prosecutors with specialised legal expertise to build stronger criminal cases.
The training aligns with Uganda’s inter-agency enforcement efforts against illegal gaming. Staff now have improved systems for managing case files and meeting prosecution standards. This prepares the NLGRB to handle violations more efficiently within the legal framework.