James Mpiirwe's Role in Establishing Uganda's Regulatory Framework for Responsible Gambling

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In today's episode of Safer Gambling Talks, we welcome James Mpiirwe, a seasoned expert with over 13 years of experience in the gaming, betting, casino, and lottery industries, as well as a legal professional with in-depth industry knowledge. Mpiirwe discusses the stigma attached to enacting comprehensive gambling laws in jurisdictions unfamiliar with such legislation, yet needing to regulate industries often relegated to grey areas and offshore activities. He explains that the primary obstacle he faced in advocating for the passing of the Lotteries and Gaming Act was the lawmakers' inherent hesitation, as they viewed gambling legislation as fostering social issues rather than a reformative step that could yield positive outcomes if executed properly. Uganda's strong religious foundation added another layer of complexity to passing this legislation, presenting a significant hurdle to overcome during the law's legalization. Mpiirwe shares his experience with the national gambling regulatory body and his decision to step down to concentrate on promoting more responsible industry practices towards consumers. In this leadership role, he frequently finds himself navigating difficult situations, using insights gained from global responsible gambling meetings and panels to guide the dialogue in Uganda on how to protect consumers and ensure the industry's sustainable growth.