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Mandela Millers Ltd, one of Uganda’s leading milling and agro-processing companies, has achieved the globally recognised FSSC 22000 Certification, a milestone that places it among top food manufacturers meeting the highest international safety standards. The announcement was made on Friday, August 15, during an event in Kampala attended by industry leaders, regulators, and government representatives.
The FSSC 22000 certification — issued by the Foundation FSSC in the Netherlands — combines ISO 22000, ISO/TS 22002-1, and other additional requirements to create a robust global standard for managing food safety risks. To earn the certification, companies must undergo rigorous third-party audits to prove strict adherence to internationally accepted food safety management systems.
Mandela Millers said the achievement reflects its commitment to producing safe, high-quality, and fully traceable products from the production line to the final consumer. The company’s statement emphasised that this milestone would help build trust across the entire food supply chain, enhance transparency, and create stronger links between consumers, suppliers, and retailers.
“This certification builds trust across the supply chain, strengthening relationships between consumers, suppliers, and retailers. It empowers us to manage risks effectively while opening global market opportunities,” the company said.
The recognition comes at a critical time when Uganda’s government and private sector are jointly pushing for greater value addition in agriculture, particularly in agro-processing, to boost exports, create employment, and cut down post-harvest losses. With agriculture employing most Ugandans, meeting global food safety standards is seen as a key factor in increasing competitiveness in regional and international markets.
In recent years, Uganda has stepped up efforts to align with international standards, with agencies such as the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) and the Uganda Export Promotion Board offering guidance and support to companies seeking certifications. International recognition such as FSSC 22000 is increasingly becoming a prerequisite for accessing lucrative export destinations, especially in Europe, the Middle East, and high-end African markets.
Industry experts say Mandela Millers’ achievement could inspire other agro-processing firms to prioritise certification and quality assurance. In a competitive global market, buyers are demanding proof of compliance with food safety regulations before signing supply contracts. For Uganda, this trend means that certified companies will have an advantage in securing partnerships and entering new markets.
The certification is also expected to boost customer confidence locally. Ugandan consumers are becoming more conscious about food quality and safety, and verified standards can influence purchasing decisions.
The development is significant for Uganda’s positioning within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which is creating a single African market. Analysts note that only companies capable of proving high-quality, safe production processes will fully benefit from AfCFTA’s expanded trade opportunities.
Mandela Millers executives stress that the certification is not a final destination but part of an ongoing journey to strengthen food safety management. They have pledged to continue investing in modern technology, employee training, and innovation to maintain compliance and improve efficiency.
The company also expressed gratitude to its employees, partners, and stakeholders for their contribution to achieving the milestone, noting that such recognition requires dedication at every level of the organisation.
Uganda’s Vision 2040 and the National Development Plan Four (NDP IV) emphasise agro-industrialisation as a pathway to industrial growth. By adopting world-class systems like FSSC 22000, Mandela Millers is helping reinforce Uganda’s reputation as a trusted source of high-quality processed food products, a move that could attract more investors into the sector.
With the certification in place, Mandela Millers is now better positioned to access new export opportunities, strengthen its market share, and contribute to the country’s drive for industrial growth. For the milling industry in Uganda, this milestone sets a new benchmark — one that could redefine how the sector competes in the global marketplace.
