Uganda Halal Bureau earns recognition in Malaysia
Executive Director Hez Kimoomi Alinda said the milestone positions Uganda to integrate into global halal supply chains.
Left, Serunjogi Moses Akram, Safina Namaganda, Sekandi Abdul handing over a recognition certificate to UFZEPA ED Hez Kimoomi, on the right, Moses Matovu at UFZEPA offices on Thursday. (Photo By Aloysious Kasoma)
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Uganda has secured a major breakthrough in global halal trade after the Uganda Halal Bureau earned international recognition from Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM), opening new export pathways to halal free trade zones.
Speaking during the certificate handover at the Uganda Free Zones and Export Promotions Authority (UFZEPA) offices on Thursday, Executive Director Hez Kimoomi Alinda said the milestone positions Uganda to integrate into global halal supply chains.
“We are building strong collaboration to link our producers directly to international markets and integrate Uganda into the global value chain,” he said, noting that partnerships between government and the private sector remain critical.
Kimoomi added that coordinated efforts with the Uganda National Bureau of Standards, the Ministry of Trade and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are strengthening export credibility and traceability, while participation in global halal expos is enhancing Uganda’s visibility.
UNBS Senior Certifications Officer Matovu Moses said the standards body is establishing a national halal certification programme to support exporters.
“Halal certification presents opportunities for growth for the economy of this nation. By the end of this financial year, the certification programme should be in place, followed by accreditation to ensure credibility in export markets,” he noted.
Uganda Halal Bureau Board Chairman Sekandi Abdul Hakim described the global halal economy as a multi-trillion-dollar opportunity.
“The recognition we received shows our products are globally competitive and opens doors to GCC, Asian and Middle Eastern markets,” he said.
General Manager Safina Namaganda added that Malaysia’s recognition strengthens Uganda’s credibility internationally.
“Once you gain recognition from such a market, discussions become welcoming and meaningful engagement begins,” she said, noting growing interest in Uganda’s meat, fresh produce and processed foods across global halal markets.