Meet the Woman Redefining Uganda’s Halal Meat Market with Innovation and Integrity
When Uganda went into lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic, most businesses slowed down—but Diana Nabukenya saw an opening. Drawing on her background in food safety and her family’s livestock farming experience, she launched Richland Foods Ltd and its flagship halal meat brand, Yo ‘Nyama.
Today, Yo ‘Nyama is among Uganda’s fastest-growing meat businesses, serving over 500 households weekly and introducing a bold, health-conscious approach to meat processing.
“Living abroad opened my eyes to how poorly meat was handled back home. I wanted to change that,” says Nabukenya.
From Home Delivery to Halal-Certified Kitchens
What started as a direct-to-home delivery service quickly evolved into a fully-fledged meat processing enterprise offering more than just raw meat. The company now provides slow-smoked cuts, marinated meats, sausages, and ready-to-eat items—all prepared under strict halal and hygiene standards.
These products go through 12 to 24 hours of smoking to enhance flavor and tenderness, offering Ugandan consumers healthier, value-added meat options.
Overcoming Bias in a Male-Dominated Industry
Starting a meat business as a woman wasn’t easy. From skepticism by traditional middlemen to difficulties securing equipment and financing, Nabukenya faced numerous hurdles. But she pushed through by prioritizing integrity, consistency, and customer trust.
“There were moments I wanted to quit, but my passion and persistence kept me going,” she shares.
The Halal Advantage: Turning Feedback Into Growth
A pivotal moment came when Nabukenya joined the dfcu Rising Woman Initiative, a program that mentors women-led businesses. She was among the top 10 finalists and used the judges’ feedback to implement full halal certification, which has since become a cornerstone of her brand identity.
“That program was a game-changer. It helped me refine our strategy and gave us exposure to bigger ideas,” she notes.
The initiative also enabled her to travel to Nairobi, where she networked with other successful women entrepreneurs and brought back ideas that have since shaped Richland Foods’ operations.
Building a Meat Supply Chain That Works for All
Richland Foods isn’t just about selling meat. The business is empowering over 100 farmers across Kampala, Wakiso, and Mukono by integrating them into a reliable supply chain. The company’s own farm in Zirobwe produces poultry, eggs, and vegetables, while smallholder farmers supply spices, potatoes, and herbs.
The ripple effect is huge: 20 full-time staff, 50+ indirect jobs, and partnerships with nearly 1,000 farmers over five years.
“Our model benefits both rural farmers and urban consumers,” says Nabukenya. “It’s about shared value.”
A Model for Uganda’s Agribusiness Future
Today, Richland Foods is more than a business—it’s a growing ecosystem that’s helping shape the future of Uganda’s meat industry. By putting quality, food safety, and local sourcing at the center, Diana Nabukenya is not only feeding the nation but also transforming livelihoods across the value chain.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rvTtnnIEew