By Anzoo Evaline.

The Mufti launching the Halaal Farmers centers in Adjumani.

In a significant step toward empowering communities and strengthening agricultural livelihoods, His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramathan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, has officially launched the Halaal Farmers Center, an initiative designed to equip farmers with knowledge, skills, and access to quality inputs while supporting the government’s efforts to eradicate poverty.

The launch, held in Adjumani District on 23^rd April 202, brought together religious leaders, government officials, and members of the farming community, all united by a shared vision of improving household incomes and promoting sustainable agriculture across Uganda. The Halal Farmers Center is expected to serve as a hub for training, consultation, and innovation, targeting farmers engaged in crop production, poultry, and livestock keeping.

The District Khadi, Baiga Ramathan, recalled the origins of the initiative, highlighting the Mufti’s early efforts to bring the vision to life.

“Your Eminence I remember when you called us to Kampala to attend the meeting for opening establishing halal farms centers in Uganda. I participated in this. You were together with madam executive chairperson and you told us this service is going to bring us quality products and it’s also going to employ people and others. So, because of that I really impressed it and I appreciate you so much for that,” said Khadi.

The center is a partnership between Matuga Industries and Logistics Hub and the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council, reflecting a collaborative approach aimed at delivering practical solutions to farmers. Through this partnership, the initiative seeks to bridge gaps in agricultural knowledge and provide affordable, genuine inputs to boost productivity.

Hon. Hajji Abbas Ssekyanzi, Secretary General Uganda Muslim Supreme Council, emphasized the importance of the center in transforming agriculture at the grassroots level.

“I want to assure you that this center is for you. We want you to use it so that you can improve on your agriculture, your poultry, and your livestock. The center will provide you with free consultation. It will provide you with free training. We want to ask you to form farmers groups and then you’ll have access to genuine Agri inputs for your plants, for your animals, for your birds,” Hajji Ssekyanzi.

Local leaders also welcomed the initiative, calling on the wider community to embrace the opportunity regardless of religious affiliation.

Resident District Commissioner, Toko Swaib, encouraged inclusivity and participation from all residents.

“Today, you have come to launch the Halaal Farmers Center, and I want to call upon all the people of Adjumani. It’s not only limited to Muslims. Please come and learn more about Halal Farmers Center. This regard Adjumani, we shall elaborate more with you about this program,” Toko said.

Speaking at the launch, His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramathan Mubaje, underscored the importance of knowledge and capacity building in ensuring the success of government programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM).

“After knowing that the people of Uganda need help in whatever they are doing in order to make use of the PDM, but they may not succeed in their projects not until they are well educated. They know how to go about their business so that those businesses become profitable. That’s why we brought Halal Farmers Center to help you. It is for everybody and it is genuine and it is cheap,” Mufti said.

He further emphasized the need for collective effort in achieving socio-economic transformation, noting that the center is intended to complement national development initiatives.

“So, as Uganda Muslim Forum Council this project so that you benefit because the president is struggling to see that people get out of poverty, social economic transformation. To be realized if the people do not support as far as doing the projects it concerns. So, please this is your project. We are supplementing a government effort,” Mubaje said.

The Halal Farmers Center is expected to play a key role in enhancing agricultural productivity, improving incomes, and promoting self-reliance among farmers. By offering free training, consultation, and access to quality inputs, the initiative aligns closely with Uganda’s broader agenda of poverty alleviation and inclusive growth.

As communities in Adjumani and beyond begin to engage with the center, stakeholders remain optimistic that the initiative will not only transform farming practices but also create employment opportunities and contribute to long-term economic resilience.

END