Uganda is seeking a greater share of the expanding global halal economy by strengthening its certification system and opening access to markets in the Middle East, North Africa and other halal-consuming markets. Halal is an Arabic word meaning ‘allowed’ or ‘lawful’.
While the country has made strides towards halal certification through the Uganda Bureau of Standards, the ability to tap into these markets remains constrained by gaps in its halal certification and quality infrastructure. The gaps have prompted the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) to work with Malaysia’s Halal Development Corporation to assess the country’s readiness.
Malaysia, one of the world’s leading halal hubs, exports halal products worth about US$10 billion annually, demonstrating the commercial potential of the sector. The global halal economy also extends beyond food to agriculture, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, tourism and hospitality.
Patricia Ejalu, the Deputy Executive Director of UNBS, said Uganda has developed halal standards and certification arrangements, but these have largely focused on the domestic market. She said this is inadequate for Uganda’s emerging export ambitions because many markets in the Middle East and North Africa require products to meet recognised halal standards.
Ejalu said a credible certification system would help build confidence among international buyers and make it easier for Ugandan producers to access those markets. She said Uganda already has a foundation on which to build, with UNBS working alongside the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council, Uganda Halal Bureau and Halal Assurance Institute of Uganda.
Ejalu said the priority is to coordinate these efforts and develop a certification system that can gain wider international recognition. Mohd Zamulud Bin Awang Kechik, Chief Commercial Officer at the Halal Development Corporation of Malaysia, said Uganda would need time to establish an internationally competitive halal certification ecosystem.
He said the process requires awareness across the entire production and supply chain, including producers, processors, traders, transporters and other businesses involved in getting products to consumers. Kechik said halal should not be viewed as a system reserved for Muslims, arguing that certification is primarily about complying with established standards.
He said Malaysia, despite having developed its halal industry over decades, continues to sensitise businesses and consumers about halal requirements and the opportunities they present. Kechik said Uganda would similarly need sustained public awareness, particularly because the majority of its population is non-Muslim.
Uganda’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, Betty Bigombe, said Uganda should also view halal certification as an opportunity to improve product quality and competitiveness rather than focusing only on its religious and cultural dimensions.
She said one of the challenges would be mobilising resources to sensitise the public, particularly as the number of producers and traders continues to grow. Bigombe said awareness of halal standards must extend throughout the production chain if Uganda is to build confidence in its products.
The discussions followed a national briefing convened by UNBS on Thursday as part of the Halal Certification Scheme and Ecosystem Assessment. The assessment is intended to examine Uganda’s existing capacity, identify gaps and strengthen certification systems to support access to international markets.
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives says a stronger halal certification system could create opportunities for export growth, value addition and increased competitiveness in sectors including agriculture, food processing, manufacturing, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, tourism and hospitality.
Abdul Hakiim Sekandi, Chairman of the Uganda Halal Bureau, said the Uganda Halal Bureau is recognised by the World Halal Council and that many of the structures required for a national halal ecosystem are already in place. He said Uganda now needs to popularise the system both domestically and internationally.
Ali Kalema, Director of the Halal Assurance Institute Uganda, said Uganda must now focus on turning halal certification into actual market access. He said this will require harmonised standards, competent certification and accreditation, international recognition and stronger cooperation between government and the private sector.
Kalema said these measures would position Ugandan products and services to compete in the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and wider global halal markets. Shaban Sserunkuma, Director of Programmes at the Global Consumer Centre, said the certification process should cover the entire value chain rather than focusing only on the final stages of production.
He said producers, processors, transporters and traders must all understand and comply with halal requirements. The assessment by the Malaysian Halal Development Corporation will build on Uganda’s existing institutions, standards and investments while drawing on Malaysia’s experience in developing a globally recognised halal ecosystem-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
