Uganda Takes Giant Leap into Gulf Markets with Local Halal Certification
On Thursday, Uganda took a major step toward expanding its export footprint as the Halal Assurance Institute Uganda (HAIU) introduced streamlined certification processes, enabling local businesses to access the seven Gulf countries Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and Yemen more efficiently than ever before.
Speaking at the World Accreditation Day celebrations organized by the Uganda National Accreditation Service (UGANAS) at the Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala, HAIU Executive Director Ali Kalema explained that exporters can now secure internationally recognized Halal certification locally, removing the costly and time-consuming dependence on foreign agencies.
“Previously, exporters had to go through overseas companies to obtain Halal certification, which was expensive and slow,” Mr. Kalema said.
“Now, Uganda provides globally recognized certification at home, giving our exporters a direct gateway to the Gulf and other international markets.”
HAIU’s approach includes on-site inspections and compliance audits to ensure all products meet strict international Halal standards. This rigorous process builds confidence with overseas buyers and strengthens Uganda’s credibility as a source of high-quality goods.
To ensure compliance with Gulf regulatory and religious requirements, HAIU has partnered with SGS Gulf Limited, a global leader in inspection, testing, verification, and certification. This partnership guarantees that all Ugandan exports meet every standard before shipment.
The institute has also engaged in strategic diplomacy, holding discussions earlier this year at the Uganda Embassy in Riyadh and at the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Accreditation Center headquarters, further enhancing market access.
By removing certification bottlenecks and fostering international partnerships, the Halal Assurance Institute Uganda is positioning the country as a trusted Halal supplier to the Gulf region, boosting the competitiveness of Ugandan exporters on the global stage.
