Government Urged to Strengthen Halal Trade Regulations

What the report says

Stakeholders in Uganda’s Halal sector are urging the government to tighten laws, standards and verification systems for Halal trade, saying clearer regulation could help the country benefit from the fast-growing global Halal market. The call was made during a Halal Business Dialogue that brought together traders, legal experts, business leaders, policymakers and other participants to discuss barriers facing the sector and possible ways to expand it.

According to Nile Post, the event was organised by the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and the Uganda Halal Bureau. Speakers said stronger cooperation between the public and private sectors could help Uganda increase exports, create jobs and improve national revenue. They also said better regulation would support consumer confidence by ensuring products sold as Halal meet the required religious and quality standards.

Zackey Kalega, Commissioner for National Trade, said the government wants to take advantage of Halal market opportunities while ensuring products made and traded in Uganda meet standards. The Secretary General of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce said the dialogue offered a useful platform for traders and policymakers to identify challenges and new business opportunities.

Akram Moses, spokesperson for the Halal Bureau, said the bureau’s role is to verify products marketed as Halal and monitor compliance. The broader context is that Halal trade has been expanding internationally, and Uganda’s stakeholders believe stronger coordination could help the country secure a larger share of that market.