Uganda puts the brakes on gambling

According to Ugandan media, President Yoweri Museveni has placed a blanket ban on gambling and betting saying the Government will halt new license awards as well as license renewals.

State Minister for Finance, David Habati, speaking on behalf of the President at a conference this past weekend, said the President’s directive follows concerns from religious leaders that Uganda’s youth were wasting their lives and money on betting and that gambling reduces productivity and sinks families further into poverty.

Sceptics note the Government would lose much needed taxes and questions arise whether the decree will have to be passed through Parliament.

Manzi Tumubweine, chairperson of Uganda’s National Gaming Board was unaware of the directive saying his office has not yet received any official communication on the issue.

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