UNBS to certify Halal foods to unlock export opportunities

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The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) says all is set for the bureau to commence the certification of Halal foods and develop a national Halal Certification System.

According to the UNBS executive director, Eng. James Kasigwa, the initiative aims to strengthen the implementation and enforcement of halal standards, which are crucial for protecting the interests of the Muslim community and ensuring product safety.

Kasigwa was speaking on Tuesday (March 17) during the inaugural UNBS Corporate Iftar dinner held at the Standards House in Bweyogerere, under the theme “Strengthening Partnerships, Upholding Quality.”

He disclosed that UNBS has already signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council to facilitate this process, which includes setting up a Halal Accreditation Body and a Halal Testing Laboratory.

“The goal is to align Uganda's halal standards with international benchmarks, enabling local products to access high-value markets and enhance Uganda's exports to Muslim countries. The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has stepped up efforts to tap into the global Halal market, positioning it as a key driver of exports and economic growth,” Kasigwa said.

Eng. James Kasigwa noted that the bureau is strengthening collaboration with the Muslim community to advance quality standards, protect consumers, and open up new markets for Ugandan products. Highlighting the central role in ensuring that goods and services meet required safety and quality benchmarks through testing, certification, and market surveillance.

Kasigwa highlighted the growing potential of the global Halal market, estimated at more than $3tn, particularly in food and pharmaceuticals. He said Uganda, as an agriculture-based economy, is well placed to benefit but has struggled to access the market due to the lack of a clear Halal certification framework.

“We have markets that are ready, and they are demanding halal-certified goods. I can currently talk about Algeria, which gave Uganda a milk market for up to $500m annually; such opportunities can only be realised if Uganda strengthens its certification systems.”

He added that partnerships with the Muslim community will be key in building credible, internationally accepted standards, adding that UNBS is also working with regional and global standardisation bodies to develop certification frameworks that can position Uganda as a competitive player in Halal trade.

“I think the target of tenfold growth is actually a low-hanging opportunity for a country like Uganda. Partnerships with our Muslim communities are actually very important,” Kasigwa explained.

Sheikh Ashraf Mutagubya commended Eng. Kasigwa for recognising the Muslim faith and urged the Muslim staff to uphold quality in their work and desist from gossip at the workplace.

Stakeholders, including manufacturers, traders, importers, religious institutions, and consumers, were challenged to play their role in upholding quality and standards.