How GamCare Initiative Uganda is Transforming Responsible Gaming

In 2019, a personal experience inspired the creation of GamCare Initiative Uganda. Returning to Uganda after more than a decade, Joshua Nyakairu, the founder encountered a relative whose family was struggling due to gambling and alcohol addiction. This heartbreaking reality, coupled with visits to local betting establishments filled with young people chasing fortunes, revealed the urgent need for responsible gaming advocacy.

"The vision for GamCare Initiative Uganda emerged from a place of compassion, aiming to support those silently suffering from gambling’s adverse effects. The organization quickly became a beacon of hope, focusing on promoting responsible gaming, preventing underage gambling, and providing counseling and education. Over two and a half years, GamCare Uganda has made significant strides in raising awareness and empowering individuals with tools to manage gambling responsibly," shared Joshua.

Promoting Responsible Gaming: A Multifaceted Approach

GamCare Initiative Uganda operates on the principle that players are at the heart of the gaming industry. Their efforts are rooted in providing knowledge and resources to ensure safe gambling practices.

"One of our standout programs is Responsible Gambling Awareness Week, which we launched in November 2024," said Joshua. This nationwide campaign sparked conversations around problem gambling, highlighted available support, and introduced tools like Gamban and Betblocker for self-exclusion.

Their initiatives focus on education, offering information about the risks of gambling and how to recognize problem behaviors. Through partnerships with gaming operators, GamCare Uganda trains staff to identify and address gambling-related harm. The organization also collaborates with research partners to develop effective prevention strategies and impactful interventions.

Engaging Youth: A Key Priority

With Uganda’s vibrant youth population, GamCare Initiative Uganda employs innovative strategies to promote safe gambling practices. Social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube are pivotal for sharing engaging, relatable content such as videos and interactive quizzes.

Peer education plays a vital role, with young team members serving as advocates for responsible gaming. Additionally, school advocacy programs have successfully reached thousands of students, educating them about the risks of gambling through real-life examples and promoting responsible decision-making.

The Power of Partnerships

"We know that promoting responsible gaming requires collaboration. By working with regulators, industry players, and international organizations, we amplify our message and establish consistent standards," Joshua tells us.

Their partnership with the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board exemplifies this commitment. Together, they have implemented policies, conducted advocacy campaigns, and educated over 35,000 secondary students about underage gambling.

GamCare also draws insights from global industry leaders, learning from their experiences to develop more effective responsible gaming practices locally.

For individuals struggling with gambling-related issues, GamCare Uganda offers a range of resources:

• A confidential helpline and online chat services for advice and support.
• One-on-one counselling with trained professionals.
• Self-help tools and educational materials for both affected individuals and their families.

The organization’s collaboration with platforms like Gamban and Betblocker allows players to voluntarily self-exclude from online gambling, further ensuring safety.

As Uganda’s gaming industry grows, GamCare Initiative Uganda aims to match this pace with enhanced responsible gaming efforts. The organization envisions a harm-free gaming industry supported by stronger regulations, accessible treatment options, and innovative technological solutions.

Their commitment includes training professionals, leveraging data for policy adjustments, and encouraging gaming operators to adopt proactive measures, such as deposit limits and self-exclusion features.
At the heart of GamCare Initiative Uganda’s mission is the belief that gaming can be enjoyed without harm when there’s a balance between people and profit. “Player protection is non-negotiable,” says Joshua. This philosophy drives their work to create a safer, more sustainable gambling environment for all.

Through education, collaboration, and unwavering commitment, GamCare Initiative Uganda continues to pave the way for responsible gaming in Uganda and beyond.