GLI to support Uganda regulator with new technical standards

Under the arrangement, GLI will advise the regulator on the review of existing standards and draft new standards where required.

GLI will also provide specialist training to staff and gaming inspectors at the regulator to support the introduction of any new standards and ensure successful adoption and ongoing compliance.

“The development and adoption of a robust set of technical standards to govern the integrity of gaming software and equipment and ensure the protection of players is our number one priority,” the Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board of Uganda’s acting chief executive Juliet Namuli said.

“The board has a good relationship with GLI, and we look forward to working with them in an advisory capacity on further developing the technical standards of gaming in Uganda.”

GLI Africa general manager Devon Dalbock added: “We have significant expertise in delivering similar projects for a number of global jurisdictions, including several in Africa, such as Seychelles and Nigeria.

“Our team in Africa is expanding as demand for GLI services and advisory continues to grow across the continent. We know that we still have a long way to go before things start returning to normal in Africa, but we want the gaming industry to know that we are here and ready to support them when they are ready for us to do so.”

Both online gambling and retail betting are legal in Uganda but in 2019, the country faced something of a crisis when long-term President Yoweri Museveni ordered a ban on the issuing of new licences for sports betting, gaming and gambling companies.

Museveni, who at the time also said there would be no renewal of licences when they expired, said the main reason for taking such action was foreign-owned companies repatriating profits rather than reinvesting them in Uganda.

However, the situation was eventually avoided, and the licensing system remains open, under the guidance of the Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board.