The Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, has launched a series of Halal Farmers’ Centres in the West Nile region, aimed at improving access to quality agricultural inputs and boosting productivity among farmers.
The initiative, rolled out across Muslim districts, drew large crowds of farmers, many from the Muslim community, who turned up in processions to witness the launch and show support.
Speaking during the launch in Arua City, Mufti Mubaje said the centres are intended to support farmers with reliable, halal-certified inputs and services to strengthen livelihoods and promote economic development.
“These projects reflect visionary leadership and a commitment to improving household incomes through organised and sustainable agriculture,” he said.
The centres are part of broader efforts by the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) to invest in income-generating activities and community development.
In Arua, the facility is housed within the Ershad Mosque Complex, a multi-purpose development that includes commercial rental spaces to support long-term sustainability.
Local leaders and officials welcomed the initiative, urging farmers to take full advantage of the services offered.
“This is a timely intervention that will help farmers improve production and incomes,” one of the local leaders said.
UMSC officials said the centres will provide farmers with access to quality seeds, agricultural inputs, and extension support, addressing longstanding challenges of low productivity and unreliable farm supplies.
From Arua, the Mufti extended the initiative to Koboko and Yumbe districts, where additional centres were launched and commissioned.
Leaders in the two districts described the programme as a practical step toward strengthening rural livelihoods and enhancing food security in the region.
The Mufti urged farmers to embrace the centres, emphasising the need for organised farming and proper input use to achieve better yields.
The rollout of the Halal Farmers’ Centres highlights a growing focus on linking faith-based initiatives with economic empowerment, particularly in underserved regions like West Nile, where agriculture remains the main source of livelihood.