Across busy boda boda stages in Kireka, Luzira, Kinawattaka, and Portbell, riders recently paused their daily routines for an important conversation—responsible gaming. The outreach, led by the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB), brought practical guidance and open dialogue directly to the community, reinforcing the message that gaming should always remain a form of entertainment, not a source of livelihood.
The outreach forms part of the Board’s ongoing efforts to promote responsible gaming practices and ensure that members of the public are well informed about how to participate in gaming activities in a safe and balanced manner.
During the engagement, NLGRB officials interacted directly with boda boda riders, sharing key messages about responsible gaming and encouraging participants to view gaming strictly as a form of entertainment rather than a source of income. The team also emphasized the importance of maintaining control over gaming activities and understanding the potential risks associated with excessive participation.
Ivan Musenero, a mental health expert from Butabika National Referral Hospital informed the riders that awareness plays a critical role in preventing harmful gaming behavior.
“Responsible gaming begins with awareness. When people understand that gaming should remain entertainment—not a coping mechanism or a source of income—they are far more likely to stay in control.” Musenero.
Boda boda riders represent a significant and highly mobile segment of the community, making them an important audience for awareness initiatives aimed at promoting responsible behavior in gaming.
The campaign provided an opportunity for open discussions, allowing riders to ask questions, share their experiences, and gain a better understanding of responsible gaming practices.
“Responsible gaming is about balance. Our outreach ensures that communities understand both the enjoyment and the limits of gaming.” said Susan Hope, the Senior Responsible Gaming Officer of the NLGRB.
  
Community-based sensitization remains a key component of NLGRB’s mandate to protect the public and foster a responsible gaming environment. Through continuous engagement with different community groups, the Board seeks to
raise awareness, encourage informed decision-making, and promote a culture of responsible participation in gaming activities across the country.
NLGRB remains committed to expanding such outreach initiatives as part of its broader strategy to strengthen public awareness and support sustainable growth within the gaming sector.
