Uganda Moves to Local Halal Certification, Opening Gulf Export Markets

By Gad Masereka

The Halal Assurance Institute Uganda (HAIU) has moved to position Ugandan exporters for a larger slice of the lucrative global Muslim market, announcing that businesses can now obtain internationally recognized Halal certification locally, without the costly and time-consuming process of seeking approvals abroad.

The announcement came during World Accreditation Day celebrations hosted by the Uganda National Accreditation Service (UGANAS) at the Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala, where HAIU Executive Director Ali Kalema described Halal certification as both a quality guarantee and a gateway to the Gulf.

He noted that for seven key markets like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and Yemen are Halal compliance and strict requirement for a wide range of products, from food and beverages to cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

“This standard is a passport to the global Muslim market,” Kalema said, stressing that certification goes beyond religious observance to encompass international safety and quality benchmarks. “For Ugandan businesses, meeting these standards is not an option; it’s a prerequisite for entering and competing in these economies.”

Previously, Ugandan exporters faced logistical hurdles that undermined competitiveness, with some forced to send documents and even product samples abroad for approval.

The new arrangement allows HAIU to conduct full inspections and certifications within Uganda, significantly reducing both costs and delays. Auditors from the institute will examine every stage of production, from raw material sourcing to final packaging and ensuring adherence to Islamic law and international food safety protocols.

In a bid to boost credibility and market acceptance, HAIU has partnered with SGS Gulf Limited, a leading inspection and certification body in the region. This collaboration is designed to give Gulf importers confidence that Ugandan goods meet all religious, health, and legal requirements before they reach port.

The institute’s leadership has also engaged with the Uganda Embassy in Riyadh and the Gulf Cooperation Council Accreditation Center to harmonize local standards with those of the Gulf, paving the way for smoother trade flows.

The move comes as Uganda looks to diversify its exports and tap into the global Halal market, estimated at $2 trillion.

By removing certification bottlenecks and educating producers on the commercial value of Halal compliance, HAIU hopes to see more local companies target this growing demand.

As Kalema put it, “If we can guarantee quality and compliance here at home, there is no reason Ugandan products cannot compete alongside the best in the Gulf and beyond.”