The National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB) conducted a stakeholder engagement with the media in Northern Uganda. This media and public relations engagement, held at Booma Hotel in Gulu, aimed to enlighten journalists on the Board’s mandate, promote responsible gaming, and foster collaboration in enforcement and compliance.
The engagement was attended by reporters, writers, media analysts, producers, and station managers from print, online, and broadcast media outlets across districts including Gulu, Kitgum, Lira, and parts of West Nile.
Welcoming the media team to the engagement, the Senior Communications Officer noted that without the support of the media, the Board’s initiatives may not reach a wider audience. She emphasised that the media plays a critical role in amplifying key messages on responsible gaming, raising public awareness about the Board’s mandate, and supporting efforts to protect communities from the adverse effects of gaming.
“Our main mandate as the Board is to protect the public from gaming-related harm. The media is one of the key partners who help us fulfill this mandate through factual reporting and awareness creation.” Senior Communications Officer said.
Members of NLGRB delivered a detailed presentation, with departmental representation from the Office of the CEO, Legal and Board Affairs, Regulatory Compliance, and Licensing and Responsible Gaming.
Some participants raised concerns that children often engage in gaming secretly and asked the Board to explain the initiatives in place to protect young people from gaming.
The team from the Board informed the media that NLGRB addresses the issue of minors in gaming through a combination of regulation, awareness, and collaboration. They also reminded members of the fourth estate that the provisions in the law are non-negotiable citing examples of minors prohibition from accessing all forms of gaming.
Immaculate Amony from Uganda Radio Network Gulu appreciated the Board for the initiative and requested that such engagements be conducted periodically at subcounty level to ensure that all media houses and journalists benefit from the training.
In conclusion, participants expressed appreciation for the engagement, noting that it enhanced their understanding of the Board’s mandate and the vital role of the media in promoting responsible gaming. They emphasised the importance of continued training and sensitisation to equip journalists with the knowledge and skills required to safeguard their communities from gaming related harm.
