President Museveni bans sports betting in Uganda

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has banned the issuance of new licences to sports betting companies and renewal of existing ones when they expire.

Minister of State for Finance David Bahati made the revelation at a church service on Sunday saying, according to Museveni, betting has promoted laxity among the youth.

“We have received a directive from President Museveni to stop licensing sports betting, gaming and gambling companies. The President has now directed the board which has been regulating them,” said Mr. Bahati as quoted by the Daily Monitor.

“From now on wards, no new companies are going to be licensed. Those which are already registered, no renewal of licences when they expire.”

Mr. Bahati, speaking at Rugarama Hill in western Kabale town, urged church leaders opposed to the practice to rejoice because their “prayers have been answered.”

The Ugandan President, in a speech read by Mr. Bahati, further pledged to table the Bill on qualifications of religious leaders before Cabinet for discussion.