Government Urged to Strengthen Halal Trade Laws to Tap Global Market

What the report says

Ugandan traders, policymakers and Halal sector experts are urging the government to tighten laws and regulations for Halal trade, saying clearer standards and more credible certification could help the country access the fast-growing global Halal market. The appeal was made at a Halal Economy Stakeholders Dialogue held in Kololo, according to Nile Post, with participants drawn from business, legal, government and certification bodies.

The event was organised by the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry Uganda in partnership with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives. Officials from several ministries and local government offices attended, alongside institutions already working in the sector, including the Islamic University in Uganda, Halal certification groups, Islamic finance providers and Takaful insurance firms. Representatives of the Islamic Development Bank also took part and said the institution was ready to support investment in Uganda’s Halal economy and regional trade.

Nile Post reported that speakers framed Halal development as more than a religious issue, linking it to export diversification, industrialisation, tourism, investment and job creation. Government officials said Uganda wants to benefit from the market while ensuring products meet Halal standards. Industry leaders said closer cooperation between public and private actors is needed to build trust, strengthen certification systems and connect Ugandan firms to OIC member states and other overseas markets.

The discussion fits into a wider push for Uganda to broaden export opportunities and attract investment. As a general matter, Halal markets cover goods and services produced in line with Islamic requirements, and countries that build reliable compliance systems can be better positioned to serve them.