Uganda lays strategy for global Halal market
Ssengendo said Uganda has the natural resources to become a major supplier of halal products but must invest in internationally recognised standards to compete effectively.
Participants in a group photo during the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry Uganda (ICCIU) Business Dialogue 2026 at the Uganda Investment Authority auditorium in Kampala on July 2, 2026. (Photo by Richard Ategeka)
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Uganda is positioning itself to tap into the rapidly growing global halal economy, with business leaders and experts urging the country to strengthen certification, skills and standards to unlock new export markets, attract investment and create jobs.
The call was made during the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry Uganda (ICCIU) Business Dialogue 2026 at the Uganda Investment Authority auditorium in Kampala on July 2, 2026, under the theme; “Opportunities in the Global Halal Economy for Ugandan’s Business and Economy.”
Participants including: Muslims, academia, regulators and private sector players, discussed how Uganda can compete in a global halal industry worth billions of dollars.
The halal economy, according to organisers, has grown far beyond food to include: finance, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, tourism, logistics and manufacturing, creating opportunities for countries able to meet internationally recognised standards.
Elias Kigonya Mwanawani, the Secretary General of the ICCIU, said that Uganda has already laid important groundwork through the implementation of the Islamic finance legal framework, the introduction of Islamic banking and Takaful insurance, growth in halal certification and the strengthening of national standards.
The event also highlighted a major skills gap that experts say Uganda must address if it is to compete internationally.
However, some cautioned that success will depend on addressing gaps in halal certification, skilled manpower, laboratory testing and modern processing facilities.
Dr Ahmed Kaweesa Ssengendo, ICCIU's Assistant Secretary General for Economic Affairs, based in Jida, Saudi Arabia, said Uganda has the natural resources to become a major supplier of halal products but must invest in internationally recognised standards to compete effectively.
He described the halal economy as an ethical economic ecosystem built on transparency, quality production and social responsibility.
"Our abattoirs, by and large, do not meet the halal standards," he said, adding that improved processing, testing and certification would help Ugandan products access high-value international markets.
Ssengendo also identified Islamic finance, halal travel and tourism, food, beverages and modest fashion as emerging sectors with significant growth potential.
He noted that many Muslim-majority countries continue to import food from non-Muslim countries, presenting opportunities for Uganda.
Halal benefits everyone
One of the key messages from the dialogue was that halal should not be viewed solely as a religious concept.
Professor Khadijah Nakyinsige, from Kyambogo University, said many people mistakenly associate halal exclusively with Muslims, yet its principles centre on quality, safety and ethical production.
"Halal is not for Muslims," she said. "Halal is for everyone who loves good because halal means good quality. It means safe products. It means products that conform to quality standards."
Nakyinsige urged universities to incorporate halal-related training into programmes such as food science, laboratory technology, tourism, logistics and finance to prepare graduates with skills increasingly demanded in international markets.
The dialogue highlighted Uganda's recent progress in establishing an Islamic finance legal framework, expanding halal certification and strengthening national standards.
As part of efforts to open new markets, ICCIU announced it will lead a trade and investment mission to Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates in August, ahead of the Regional Islamic Trade and Halal Conference scheduled for October to attract investment and expand market access for Ugandan businesses.