Kampala- The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) has launched its second Halal Farmers Centre as part of efforts to boost agricultural productivity and promote access to certified farm inputs among Muslim communities.
His Eminence Dr Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, on Wednesday officiated at the launch by cutting a ribbon at the new facility located on the upper floor of the Bilal Business Centre at the UMSC headquarters in Old Kampala.
Following the launch, the Mufti was taken on a guided tour of the two-roomed outlet by Ms Fiona Miggade Kitaka, Executive Director of Matugga Industries & Logistics Hub, alongside her technical team.
The centre is part of a broader plan to establish similar facilities in 87 Muslim districts across the country under a strategic partnership between UMSC and Matugga Industries. The initiative aims to provide farmers with genuine and certified agricultural and livestock inputs, as well as advisory services to enhance productivity and protect them from counterfeit products and exploitation.
Earlier, the Mufti was represented by his deputy, His Eminence Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa, at the opening of a farmers’ training session held at the UMSC conference hall, which attracted a large number of participants.
In his remarks, Sheikh Waiswa referenced Qur’an 2:168, urging believers to consume what is lawful and good, and to avoid harmful practices. He emphasized that adherence to lawful consumption promotes moral conduct and discourages vices in society.
He commended Ms Miggade and her team for producing quality agricultural and livestock inputs that support food security and align with Islamic principles. He also paid tribute to the late Francis Kitaka for founding the industry 59 years ago, and applauded its current leadership for sustaining its vision.
Sheikh Waiswa urged participants to return to their communities and mobilise especially the youth to engage in agriculture, describing it as the backbone of the economy, instead of idling in trading centres or engaging in less productive activities.
UMSC Secretary General, Hon. Hadji Abbas Muluubya Ssekyanzi, in his keynote address, noted that the Halal Farmers Centres are part of the Council’s long-term strategy for sustainable community transformation. He highlighted key interventions including the formation and registration of farmers’ groups, expanded training in agriculture, livestock and poultry, continuous community sensitisation, and strengthening linkages between farmers, markets and support services.
Ms Miggade reaffirmed her organisation’s commitment to supporting farmers with high-quality inputs and services aimed at improving productivity and household incomes.
The event concluded with participants receiving Iftar packages, including milk, and a dinner for UMSC management and staff of Matugga Industries held at Serene Hotel in Kampala.
