The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) and the Uganda Halal Bureau (UHB), a private Muslim organization focused on certifying Halal products, are set to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate on promoting the Halal concept in Uganda.
This was revealed by Counsel Haj Muhammad Ali Aluma, the UMSC Secretary General, during a meeting with Moulana Mohammed Saeed Navlakhi, the Theological Director of the South African National Halaal Authority, and his Assistant, Moulana Haamid Mulla, at the UMSC headquarters on August 21, 2023.
The visit of Navlakhi and Mulla to the UMSC Headquarters was organized by the Uganda Halal Bureau (UHB), which aims to export products to South Africa and thus requires certification according to Halal standards. During the meeting, Aluma discussed the ongoing efforts to establish an MOU with the Uganda Halal Bureau in order to promote the Halal concept within Uganda.
Abdul-Hakim Sekandi, speaking on behalf of the Uganda Halal Bureau, highlighted the UMSC’s role as the parent organization and confirmed the upcoming signing of the MOU, which aims to advance the Halal concept throughout the country.
Moulana Navlakhi shared the backstory of their collaboration with the Uganda Halal Bureau. He mentioned that during their initial visit to Uganda, they learned about the Uganda Halal Bureau’s role in ensuring that Muslims consume permissible animals and birds. He did, however, point out certain shortcomings in slaughterhouses that needed to be addressed to fully uphold the principles of Halal, with an emphasis on safety and product quality.
“We had the opportunity to visit some abattoirs, and we were assured and reliably informed that it has been the responsibility of Muslims to slaughter permissible animals and birds for public consumption for a long time,” Moulana Navlakhi remarked. Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa, the second deputy Mufti, who received the visitors on behalf of Mufti Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, expressed gratitude for the visit.
He commended South African Muslims as role models not just in Halal practices but also for their notable contributions to Islam through initiatives like endowments (Awqaf) that have contributed to the development of the religion. Sheikh Waiswa called for increased collaboration, particularly in capacity building and resource mobilization within the Halal industry.
UMSC, Halal Bureau Forge Partnership to Promote Halal Concept
