Poker in Uganda đŸ‡ș🇬: Where and How to Play

We đŸ€ Poker

Illustration: pocket aces and poker chips.

Poker.ug is a simple guide to poker in Uganda and across Africa. We show you where to play (live and online), how the game works, and easy tips to get better. We don’t run games or take bets — we just share clear info so you can play safely and have fun.

Start smart. Learn the basics, find venues, and improve fast.

Beginner Guide Where to Play
Brian Kawalya
By Poker.ug Editorial Team — Editor: Brian Kawalya, Award-winning Sports Journalist. With: Baron Kironde, Sports Journalist & Analyst.
Reviewed by: Brian Kawalya ·

What is Poker?


Poker is a card game where players try to win chips. You win with the best five-card hand or when other players fold.

Each hand has betting rounds. On your turn you can: check bet call raise or fold.

In Texas Hold’em you get 2 cards in your hand, and there are 5 shared cards on the table.

Top hands (best → worst)

Royal Flush, Straight Flush, Four of a Kind 
 down to High Card. See the full list on our Hand Ranks page.

Beginner tips

  • Play fewer hands. Be patient.
  • Use a budget. Set a money limit before you play.
  • Learn the hand ranks and start with Texas Hold’em.

Poker should be fun. Play only if you meet the legal age in your area (25+ in Uganda) and follow local laws.


Read the Full Guide
What is Poker?

Poker Hand Ranks (Best to Worst)


Use this simple chart to see which poker hand wins. It shows the order from best to worst, so you can learn fast and play with confidence.

Hand order

  1. Royal Flush – A, K, Q, J, 10 of the same suit.
  2. Straight Flush – Five in a row, same suit.
  3. Four of a Kind – Four cards with the same number (e.g., four 7s).
  4. Full House – Three of a kind + one pair.
  5. Flush – Five cards of the same suit, any numbers.
  6. Straight – Five in a row, any suits.
  7. Three of a Kind – Three cards with the same number.
  8. Two Pair – Two different pairs.
  9. One Pair – One pair.
  10. High Card – No pair; highest card wins.


LEARN MORE
Poker Hand Ranks (Best to Worst)

Texas Hold’em – Quick Start (5 steps)


Texas Hold’em is the most popular poker game. Follow these five steps to play your first hand.

  1. Blinds

    Two players put in forced bets before the deal: small blind and big blind.

  2. Deal cards

    Each player gets 2 cards face down. These are your hole cards.

  3. First bet (Preflop)

    Look at your cards. Choose to fold, call the big blind, or raise.

  4. Flop, Turn, River (three bet rounds)

    • Flop: 3 shared cards on the table — bet again.
    • Turn: 4th shared card — bet again.
    • River: 5th shared card — last bet.

  5. Showdown

    If two or more players stay in, everyone shows cards. Best five-card hand wins. If all others fold, you win right away.


Read Full Hold’em Guide
Texas Hold’em – Quick Start (5 steps)

Beginner Tips


Start simple. Play safe. Learn a little every day.

Quick tips ⚡

  • Play fewer hands. Be patient.
  • Play in position. Acting later is better.
  • Raise with strong hands. Do not just limp.
  • Fold when you feel unsure. Save chips.
  • Watch other players and their bet sizes.
  • Use common bet sizes: about 1/2–2/3 pot.
  • Set a money limit and a time limit before you play.
  • Take breaks. Do not play when tired or angry.
  • Learn hand ranks and basic odds & outs.
  • Keep your bankroll separate from daily money.

Do ✅

  • Start with Texas Hold’em.
  • Play tight-aggressive (TAG).
  • Review big hands after each session.

Avoid 🛑

  • Chasing every draw.
  • Playing on tilt (angry or tired).
  • Using money you cannot afford to lose.


Beginner Guide
Beginner Tips

What players say

Real visitors who used our guides and tools for live games in Uganda.

★★★★★
Verified visitor

The starting-hand chart and bet sizes made everything click. I stopped guessing and started winning small, steady pots.

Aisha M.
Kampala — low stakes cash
Beginner Guide Bet Sizes
★★★★★
Verified visitor

Odds & Outs finally made sense. I folded bad draws and saved chips—best quick math page I’ve used.

Daniel K.
Ntinda — nightly games
Odds & Outs Postflop
★★★★★
Verified visitor

Your Bankroll page kept me disciplined. I moved down when I ran bad and came back stronger.

Shafiq R.
Wandegeya — weekend MTTs
Bankroll MTT
★★★★★
Verified visitor

I used your Preflop basics and Position guide in my first casino session—felt confident and focused.

Mary L.
Entebbe — first casino trip
Preflop Position
Where to play poker

Where to Play in Uganda

Poker is played in a few places in Uganda. Laws can change. Always check rules and age limits (25+) before you play.

Live

Live poker (in person)

  • Big cities may have games (for example, in Kampala).
  • Call first: ask about days, start time, buy-in, and rules.
  • Bring ID. Be polite and play safe.
Online

Online poker

  • Check if online play is allowed for you.
  • Use trusted sites. Protect your account.
  • Start small and set a budget.

Payments & safety

  • Use safe payment methods and keep your password secret.
  • Never play with borrowed money.

Information only. We do not run games or take bets. 25+.

Take a look where to play poker

Where to Play in Uganda (Map)

Poker in Kampala: live rooms and clubs in areas like Nakasero, Kololo, Bugolobi, and Garden City. Tap a pin to learn more. 25+.

Where to Play in Kampala

Pins are approximate. Call venues first. Information only. 25+.

Play Safe (25+ in Uganda)

Poker should be fun. Play only if you are 25+ in Uganda and follow local rules.

Legal age: 25+ for betting, casinos, and most gaming in Uganda.
National lottery may be 18+. Always check current rules.

Simple rules

  • Set a money limit and a time limit before you start.
  • Do not play when tired, angry, or sad.
  • Keep a separate bankroll. Never borrow money to play.
  • Take breaks. Walk away when it stops being fun.
  • Use safe payments and protect your account.

Get Help & Tips Law Basics in Uganda

Sources: official regulatory guidance (e.g., National Gaming Board Uganda) and current casino age rules (25+). We keep this page updated; report changes via Contact.

Information only. We do not run games or take bets.

Why trust Poker.ug?

  • ✓
    Local focus: real venues and safety notes for Uganda.
  • ✓
    Clear authorship: named editors with public profiles.
  • ✓
    Independent: information only (no games or bets), age 25+.
  • ✓
    Updated guides; corrections welcome at contact@poker.ug.

FAQ

What is poker, in simple words?

Poker is a card game where you win chips by having the best five-card hand or by making others fold.

How do I win a hand?

Show the best five-card hand at showdown—or win when everyone else folds before showdown.

Which hand beats a Flush?

A Full House (and everything above it). See our Hand Ranks page for the full order.

Is poker legal in Uganda?

Poker is part of regulated gaming. Rules can change—always check current guidance on our Uganda & the Law page.

How old do I need to be?

For casinos and most betting in Uganda, it’s 25+. The national lottery may be 18+. Always verify current rules.

Where can I play in Kampala?

Start here: Where to Play in Uganda and the Kampala map. Call venues to confirm times and buy-ins.

Can I play online poker in Uganda?

Check if online play is allowed for you. Use trusted sites, secure accounts, and start with small limits. See our guide.

Which game should I learn first?

Texas Hold’em. It’s popular, well-documented, and great for beginners.

What are the basic actions in poker?

Check, bet, call, raise, or fold. Learn when to use each in our Beginner Guide.

Cash games vs tournaments—what’s the difference?

Cash games use real chips with real value and you can leave anytime. Tournaments have a buy-in, fixed starting stacks, and prizes for top finishers.

How much money do I need to start?

Only what you can afford to lose. Set a budget first. Read Bankroll Management.

Any quick beginner tips?

Play fewer hands, act in position, use normal bet sizes (about 1/2–2/3 pot), and be patient. See Beginner Tips.

How do blinds work in Texas Hold’em?

Two players post small and big blind before cards are dealt. Action starts left of the big blind. Learn more in our Hold’em guide.

What are “odds and outs”?

“Outs” are cards that help you. “Odds” tell you how often you’ll hit them. Start here: Odds & Outs.

How do I play safe and stay in control?

Set money and time limits, don’t play when tired or upset, and never borrow to gamble. See Play Safe. In Uganda, play is 25+.