Ugandan President, Yoweri Museveni bans gambling and sports betting in the country

Uganda's  Finance minister, David Bahati, has confirmed that President Yoweri Museveni has ordered his government not to issue or renew licences for sports betting firms.

Bahati said President Museveni issued the directive because of the negative impact the betting craze has had on young people.

“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. From now onwards, no new companies are going to be licensed. Those which are already registered, no renewal of licences when they expire” Bahati told a church congregation at Rugarama Hill in Kabale town on Sunday.

Bahati said church leaders who have been against sports betting can now praise the Lord because their prayers have been answered. However, the Ministry of Finance spokesman, Mr Jim Mugunga, said he was unaware of the president's directive but added that he does not doubt it.