The Ugandan government has intensified its fight against unlicensed gambling, confiscating thousands of illegal gaming machines across the country. In its latest raid, officials from the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB) and the Uganda Police Force seized dozens of slot machines in Lira City during an operation code-named Mashine Haramu — Swahili for “illegal machine.”
Operation Mashine Haramu
The operation began around 5pm on Tuesday and targeted bars and hidden gambling venues in Lira City. More than 30 machines were confiscated in areas such as Corner Kamdini and Teso Bar alone. The NLGRB said the crackdown aims to stamp out unlicensed operators accused of cheating players and contributing to social and financial distress, as well as increasing the channelization of the licensed betting sites in Uganda.
“As a government body, for us to be able to protect you as a punter or player, we need to ensure that you work with the right operator, with the right manufacturer or supplier of these gaming machines,” said Jackline Kamakune, Senior Communications Officer at the NLGRB.
Under Section 67 of the Lotteries and Gaming Act, Cap 334, those found running illegal gaming centres face fines or imprisonment. Confiscated machines are being destroyed as part of the enforcement campaign.
Public reaction
Many locals in Lira have welcomed the government’s action, describing the illegal gambling machines as predatory.
“There is a way these people have set their slot machines, and on average, I waste about Shs20,000 (roughly $5.20) on these machines. Now that they are gone, I can start saving instead of throwing my money away,” said Quinto Omara, a resident.
“The machines favour the operators but not the players. Even when you win, they don’t want to pay you,” added Innocent Ayepa, another local.
“The government should ban it completely because they are preying on vulnerable people, especially youth, and it is contributing to financial instability,” said Emma Aryom.
Nationwide crackdown
According to the NLGRB, over 6,000 illegal gaming machines have been seized across Uganda since September 2025, and more than 3,000 have already been destroyed.
Ms Kamakune noted that all legitimate gaming operators must hold a valid licence, which must be displayed visibly at their premises.
“If you are in northern or western Uganda, you have to see that licence pinned somewhere near the counters. It will have our logo and a QR code you can scan to confirm that the operator is licensed,” she explained.
What’s next
The NLGRB has urged the public to report suspicious gambling activities and to play only with licensed betting sites in Uganda to ensure fairness and consumer protection.
The regulator says its mandate is to protect the public from the adverse effects of gaming, which include addiction, financial exploitation, and youth gambling.
