Ugandan meat processors have called on the government to urgently secure internationally recognized halal certification, saying the absence of such accreditation is blocking the country from entering premium export markets, particularly in the Middle East.
Collin Muyanja, Chief Executive Officer of Ranchers Finest, one of the meat processing firms, said Uganda risks losing out on billions in revenue unless the halal certification gap is addressed.
“Uganda does not have an internationally recognized halal certification, which is important when you're going to export to the Middle East,” Muyanja said during the launch of a new premium retail outlet in Kampala.
“We must move fast if we are to compete globally.”
He revealed that countries such as Egypt have shown interest in importing up to 5,000 tons of beef per month from Uganda, but the country is currently unable to meet that demand due to structural limitations in the livestock sector and certification challenges.
Muyanja noted that most cattle farmers in Uganda rear livestock for cultural or sentimental reasons rather than commercial gain, hindering efforts to build a robust meat value chain.
However, he remains optimistic about Uganda’s potential in organic beef production.
“Our beef is grass-fed, tender, low in cholesterol, and as good as what you get from Brazil or Australia,” he said, highlighting the country’s competitive advantage in organic meat.
Ranchers Finest has unveiled The Meat Supermarket in Kampala, Uganda’s first retail outlet dedicated solely to premium meat products.
The facility aims to redefine urban meat consumption through enhanced quality, packaging, and convenience.
Industry experts have also echoed calls for policy support.
Hane Nawakajjo, a consultant at Ankolo Consulting, urged the government to support startups innovating in meat processing and value addition.
“The government can really support these startups that are trying to do new things in the industry,” said Nawakajjo.
“There’s no reason why Uganda’s meat can’t develop a global brand, just like Argentina’s.”
Nawakajjo noted that government policy on value addition aligns with current innovations in the sector, emphasizing the need for targeted support in meat processing, branding, and diversification of meat cuts and curing methods.
The calls come at a time when Uganda is pursuing agro-industrialization as a key pillar for economic growth, with meat exports increasingly seen as a viable path for export diversification.