Uganda Arrests Gaming Technician in Illegal Machine Crackdown
Ugandan authorities have detained a Kampala-based technician and confiscated nearly 400 slot machine motherboards during a nationwide operation targeting unlicensed gaming equipment suppliers who undermine state revenue collection.
Major Equipment Seizure Targets Supply Chain
The National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board coordinated the arrest of Asuman Wadedeya at his Lungujja shop in Rubaga Division following intelligence gathering and community reports. Investigators recovered 399 slot machine motherboards, 15 Chinese-manufactured slot machines, and two sacks of spare parts from the premises. The operation represents one of the largest equipment seizures under the ongoing enforcement campaign.
“Asuman is a known gaming machine technician and spare part’s dealer. He is currently detained at CPS Kampala and will be charged at Makindye Standards Court,” the regulatory board stated. The arrest forms part of Operation Mashine Haramu, which translates to “illegal machine” and targets manufacturers, suppliers, and operators of unlicensed gaming equipment throughout Uganda’s districts.
Revenue Protection Drives Enforcement Campaign
Uganda’s licensed gaming sector generated approximately 150 billion shillings ($39 million) in tax revenue during 2022/23, but regulators indicate that illegal operators significantly reduce state income while exposing communities to unregulated gambling risks. Recent enforcement actions have resulted in the confiscation of more than 50 machines across Masaka and Mpigi districts, with several operators facing arrest.
The regulatory board has requested continued public cooperation in identifying illegal dealers to enhance enforcement effectiveness. Authorities emphasize that unlicensed gaming operations not only deprive the government of legitimate revenue but also operate without consumer protections and responsible gambling safeguards that licensed operators must maintain under current regulatory frameworks.
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