Gambling Poses Threat to Uganda's National Security

Gambling Poses Threat to Uganda's National Security

Uganda's gambling industry, regulated under the Lotteries and Gaming Act No. 7 of 2016, has come under scrutiny due to its potential contribution to rising crime rates and youth poverty in the country. Major General Peter Elwelu, the Commander of the Uganda People's Defence Forces, has voiced his concerns about the issue, prompting action from the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) to address the matter.

The URA has agreed to General Elwelu's proposal to raise taxes for better gambling regulation. This move is part of a proactive approach to addressing concerns raised by the military leader about the gambling industry's impact on youth and crime. The National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB), the body responsible for overseeing the sector, is also taking steps to improve compliance and promote responsible gaming.

Currently, legal gambling in Uganda includes lottery, casino gambling, slot machines, sports betting, bingo, and pool betting. Online gambling is legal, with licensed platforms like 1xBet operating under NLGRB authorization. However, crypto gambling remains illegal and unregulated due to a lack of regulatory recognition and legal tender status for cryptocurrencies.

Enforcement initiatives have been intensified, with police collaboration with the NLGRB to crack down on illegal gaming operations and illegal gambling machines. For example, seizures of illegal machines have taken place in regions like Western Uganda to reduce unregulated gambling activity that may fuel crime.

While broader reforms specifically targeting youth poverty through gambling regulation are not detailed, the government's 2025 Tax Bill introduces incentives aimed at supporting local businesses and entrepreneurship. This economic incentive could indirectly alleviate youth poverty by promoting legitimate employment and business growth in the formal economy.

The NLGRB also holds ongoing stakeholder engagements and social initiative conversations to improve compliance and promote responsible gaming. These efforts signal a social dimension to gambling industry regulation that could help mitigate risks for vulnerable populations, including youth.

General Elwelu's comments suggest a need for action to address the issue of youth engagement in betting in Uganda. He has expressed a view in favor of tightening the regulation of the gambling industry, asserting that the gambling problem has become a serious threat to Uganda's national security. According to General Elwelu, many young people in Uganda have reportedly become poorer due to gambling, and poor youth in Uganda are increasingly engaging in betting.

In response, the URA is considering increased regulation of the gambling industry as a means to address its negative effects. The authority's actions demonstrate a commitment to addressing General Elwelu's concerns and working towards a safer and more economically stable future for Uganda's youth.

1. The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) is considering increased regulation of the gambling industry, responding to concerns raised by Major General Peter Elwelu about the industry's negative effects, particularly its impact on youth.
2. The National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB) is taking steps to promote responsible gaming and improve compliance, aiming to mitigate risks for vulnerable populations, including youth.
3. As part of the 2025 Tax Bill, the government introduces incentives aimed at supporting local businesses and entrepreneurship, which could indirectly alleviate youth poverty by promoting legitimate employment and business growth in the formal economy. This economic incentive could be seen as a response to General Elwelu's call for action to address youth poverty through gambling regulation.

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