Uganda engages with the Gulf Cooperation Council to establish mutual Halal certification recognition, facilitating access to Muslim markets and strengthening trade relations.
Uganda has initiated efforts to strengthen its Halal certification framework by seeking partnerships with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), aiming to boost exports to Muslim-majority countries.
A delegation led by Musafiri Richard, Director of the Uganda National Accreditation Services (UGANAS), participated in a three-day summit in Riyadh focused on enhancing compliance with Halal standards in line with Islamic dietary laws.
The summit, hosted at the Accreditation Center in Riyadh, brought together officials from GCC member states and key partners to discuss strengthening cross-border accreditation cooperation.
Uganda’s delegation included the Secretary General of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC), Abbas Muluubya Ssekyanzi, highlighting the religious and technical importance of Halal certification for Ugandan exports, especially in the Gulf region.
Officials from Uganda’s Ministries of Health and Trade also participated, underscoring the country’s broader agenda to align its consumables, particularly food and pharmaceutical products, with globally recognized Halal standards to expand access to Muslim markets.
The delegation engaged with senior Saudi officials, including Eng. Mohammad A. Al Jeaid, Director General and Head of Strategic Management, and Mr. Brahim Houla, Manager of Saudi Accreditation Services, to explore collaborative frameworks.
During their visit, the Ugandan team met with Ambassador Isaac Sebulime and Deputy Ambassador Sheikh Sulaiman Gugwa at the Ugandan Embassy in Riyadh.
Discussions centered on deepening Uganda-Saudi Arabia cooperation in standards development, trade facilitation, and religious diplomacy.
By pursuing mutual recognition of Halal standards with GCC countries, Uganda aims to enhance trust, reduce regulatory friction, and create a more seamless trade environment for its exporters.
This strategic move is expected to open new markets for Ugandan products and strengthen the country’s position in the global Halal industry.
