The National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB), in Uganda, has intensified its efforts to address underage gambling through a nationwide school outreach program focused on awareness and prevention.
Through its Responsible Gaming team, the regulator conducted awareness campaigns across multiple secondary schools in the Masindi and Kiryandongo districts, engaging more than 10,000 students. The sessions aimed to inform learners about the risks associated with gambling at an early age and its potential long term impact.
Schools involved in the initiative included Masindi Army Secondary School, Masindi Secondary School, Kigumba Intensive Secondary School, Green Valley Secondary School and Iman Secondary School.
Agnes Nakazibwe, Head Teacher of Masindi Secondary School, said: "We need our learners to maintain a focused and disciplined mindset. If their attention becomes preoccupied with activities such as betting, it will inevitably affect their concentration and hinder their academic progress."
During the sessions, NLGRB representatives outlined how underage gambling can affect academic performance, contribute to absenteeism and increase the likelihood of school dropouts. The team also highlighted mental health risks such as anxiety, stress and addictive behaviors that may impact decision making.
Students were encouraged to prioritize their education and seek support when faced with peer pressure or financial incentives linked to betting. Teachers were also urged to monitor student activity more closely to prevent early exposure.
As part of the campaign, the regulator engaged with District Education Officers in both Masindi and Kiryandongo, who expressed support for reinforcing the message against underage gambling.
The initiative forms part of NLGRB’s broader responsible gaming strategy, with a focus on early intervention through education.
The initiative includes coordination with local education authorities, with District Education Officers in both regions backing the campaign’s implementation
