Luwero to host Uganda’s First Halal Farmers Centre to combat fake inputs

The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) and Matuga Industries and Logistics Hub have announced a joint venture to establish the country’s first “Halal Farmers Centre” in Luwero, a move designed to protect local farmers from the rampant trade in counterfeit agricultural chemicals and seeds.

The initiative was finalized this week during a meeting between a UMSC national delegation, led by Deputy Secretary General Muhammad Ali Aluma, and the Luwero District Kadhi, Sheikh Mulindwa Ramadhan Swaib.

The project addresses a crisis of confidence in Uganda’s agricultural sector, where substandard fertilizers and fake seeds have led to massive crop failures and trapped many rural families in debt.

By applying “Halal” standards—traditionally associated with meat but increasingly applied to ethical and quality-assured supply chains—the center aims to provide a clean source of agricultural inputs.

TARGETED RELIEF FOR RURAL FARMERS

Sheikh Mulindwa, speaking from the district headquarters, noted that the timing is critical. Within the Luwero District Muslim Residents Cooperative Society alone, there are 34 registered community groups, with 80% of members relying entirely on the land for their survival.

“Our farmers have suffered for years because of the duplication and poor quality of agro products on the market,” Sheikh Mulindwa said.

“We have been calling for organized groups to protect our people, and this center is a tangible result of that effort,” he added.

The project will launch with a three-day agricultural exhibition specifically for the Greater Luwero region, focusing on modern farming techniques and connecting small-scale growers directly to buyers.

A NEW ROLE FOR UMSC

While UMSC is primarily a religious body, Muhammad Ali Aluma stressed that the council is shifting its focus toward “household poverty” to remain relevant to the daily struggles of its members.

“This initiative is about bringing essential services closer to the people,” Aluma said. “We are using our leadership structures to mobilize farmers so they can access the technical expertise they’ve been lacking.”

Matuga Industries and Logistics Hub will act as the technical partner for the center. Michael Mukiibi, the firm’s Head of Farm Care, committed to providing not only high-grade supplies but also on-site advisory services to help farmers troubleshoot pests and soil issues.

Why Luwero?

Often referred to as the “Makkah of Uganda” due to its historical and religious significance, Luwero was chosen as the pilot site for what could become a national model. The district’s high concentration of organized Muslim farming cooperatives provides a ready-made infrastructure for the Halal-compliant value chain.