By Spy Reporter
Kabale, Uganda: President Yoweri Museveni has directed the Lotteries and Gaming Board to stop licensing new sports betting companies and not to renew contracts of existing ones when they expire.
According to the President, these sports betting companies are diverting the attention of youth from hard work in thinking they can win big money by hitting a jackpot.
This revelation was made by the Minister of State for Finance in charge of Planning, David Bahati, who revealed that the President gave the directive because sports betting companies have diverted the attention of youth from hard work. Bahati, who was addressing a church congregation at Rugarama Hill in Kabale Town on Sunday said that “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. For those which are already registered, no renewal of licenses when they expire.” Bahati had represented the President as Chief Guest at the closure of a four-day conference organised by Kigezi Diocese. Bahati also said Museveni promised to table the Bill on qualifications of religious leaders before Cabinet for discussion and later consult the clergy. However, while commenting about the same, Jim Mugunga the Ministry of Finance spokesman said he was not aware of the directive but added that since it was communicated by a minister, he could not doubt it. “Mugunga said that “I don’t know but since it was said by a minister, quote him. That’s good news. ” The President, in a speech read for him by Bahati, commended Anglican Kigezi Diocese Bishop George Bagamuhunda and his Catholic counterpart of Kabale Diocese, Rt Rev Callist Rubaramira, for championing unity among Christians in Kigezi region. “We thank Bishop Bagamuhunda for being transparent while handling church affairs, besides being developmental and we urge all Christians and church leaders to be faithful and trustworthy,” Mr Bahati said.
Museveni offered Shs50m towards the construction of Kigezi Diocese women building,while Bahati donated 500 bags of cement to the same cause, Shs138m was collected both in cash and pledges, plus 1,237 bags of cement.
