KAMPALA, Uganda (March 17, 2025) — Makerere University’s Guild leadership has signed a landmark agreement with the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board to combat underage gaming and promote responsible gaming practices among students.
The partnership aims to address critical issues within the gaming industry, including financial security, prevention of underage gambling, and mitigation of problem gambling.
“Shared knowledge is the best tool to help students make informed choices about gambling,” said Denis Mudene, CEO of the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board. “We commit to spreading the gospel truth about responsible gaming and supporting university initiatives.”
Student leaders will play a pivotal role in shaping attitudes and behaviors among their peers. By empowering them to champion responsible gaming, the partnership seeks to create a culture of accountability and resilience.
Vincent Lubega Nsamba, outgoing Guild President of Makerere University, emphasized the importance of the partnership. “The gambling vice has left many of our students dealing with mental health problems and putting many at risk of losing their property to money lenders. Problem gambling has led to so many students dropping out of school.”
The partnership will focus on creating awareness about responsible gaming, ensuring students are sensitized about gaming laws and regulations, and developing joint strategies for responsible gaming.
Mudene noted that a recent survey found that 54% of gamblers are below 30 years old, including university students. “With this partnership, we aim to address underage gambling head-on,” he said.
Nsamba added that the Guild will support the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board in educating students about responsible gaming. “We will give time to the Board to educate students on responsible gaming. We will also use our various social media platforms to educate students on responsible gaming.”
The collaboration marks the beginning of a long-term commitment to creating a safer and more responsible gaming environment. By fostering a supportive community and empowering students to make informed choices, the initiative aims to break the cycle of gambling addiction and its devastating consequences.
The agreement is part of a broader responsible gaming program that integrates treatment and counseling, public awareness, education, training, and research on gambling and problem gambling.
