Streamlined Halal Certification Gives Ugandan Products a Gulf Advantage
Unlocking the Gulf: Uganda’s Halal Leap on National Accreditation Day,
Kampala, 14th August 2025 Uganda is gaining traction in key Gulf markets, thanks to strategic reforms and enhanced alignment with international halal certification standards timed to boost visibility during National Accreditation Day 2025.
Ugandan exporters are set to gain faster and more cost effective entry into the lucrative Gulf region, following new measures by the Halal Assurance Institute Uganda (HAIU) to deliver full Halal certification services locally. The move eliminates dependence on foreign certifying bodies and opens greater access to all seven Gulf countries, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and Yemen.
Speaking at the World Accreditation Day celebrations hosted by the Uganda National Accreditation Service (UGANAS) at the Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala, HAIU Executive Director Mr. Ali Kalema emphasized the critical role of Halal certification in international trade.
“Halal certification is not merely a procedural requirement; it is a market entry standard for several high demand product categories in the Gulf region,” Kalema noted. “By providing these services domestically, we are reducing costs, cutting processing times, and strengthening Uganda’s export competitiveness.”
HAIU’s certification process includes comprehensive on site audits of production facilities, covering raw material sourcing, handling, processing, and packaging, to ensure compliance with Islamic law and internationally recognized quality standards.
To meet the stringent regulatory frameworks of Gulf countries, HAIU has entered into a strategic partnership with SGS Gulf Limited, a global leader in inspection, verification, testing, and certification services. This collaboration ensures Ugandan goods undergo both local and destination country compliance checks before shipment.
The institute has also undertaken targeted diplomatic engagement to advance trade opportunities. In May, HAIU officials held meetings at the Uganda Embassy in Riyadh and the Gulf Cooperation Council Accreditation Center to align certification protocols with Gulf market requirements.
Through these measures, HAIU is positioning Uganda as a credible supplier of Halal-certified goods to the Gulf region, with the potential to capture a greater share of the global Halal market, currently valued at over $2 trillion.
