“Uganda Introduces 15 New Standards for Nsenene (Edible Ants) Sale”

Updated by Faith Barbara N Ruhinda at 1850 EAT on Sunday 28 September 2025

Uganda has introduced 15 new standards to regulate the harvesting, processing and sale of the country’s beloved long-horned grasshoppers (nsenene) and other edible insects.

The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), in collaboration with the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO), has developed comprehensive new standards covering the entire value chain for edible insects. These standards address all stages—from wild harvesting and farming to processing, hygiene, packaging, safety, and trade regulations.

In addition to nsenene (long-horned grasshoppers), the standards also apply to other edible insects such as crickets, locusts, bee larvae, termites, white ants, and dung beetles. These insects are increasingly farmed both for direct human consumption and as raw materials for animal feed production.

Edible insects are increasingly recognized across Africa as a vital alternative protein source, as demand for animal protein surpasses the sustainable capacity of traditional livestock systems. In Uganda, the trade of nsenene—the crunchy, long-horned grasshopper—is a thriving seasonal business, especially in the central region where it is a beloved delicacy.

UNBS Executive Director Eng. James Kasigwa emphasized that standardizing edible insects will enhance consumer safety, product quality, and market growth. He noted that rising demand for animal protein is driven by population growth, urbanization, and shifting dietary preferences.

“Insects now offer a promising and underutilized alternative protein source,” said Kasigwa. “They are rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals, require minimal land and water resources, and produce significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional livestock.”

Patrick Mugisha, Commissioner for Business Development at the Ministry of Trade, said the new standards would enhance competitiveness and create business opportunities, supporting Uganda’s ambitious goal to expand its GDP from $50 billion in 2023 to $500 billion by 2040.

In Uganda, the edible insect sector has seen remarkable growth. Starting in 2016, Flying Food Uganda supported 39 cricket-rearing centres, laying the groundwork for sustainable insect farming. By January 2025, the initiative had expanded to involve more than 2,000 farmers and 16 breeding centres based in communities and schools across the country.

Makerere University was instrumental in shaping the early standards for edible insect production in 2017/18. These standards not only guided local practice but were also later adopted by Kenya and Rwanda, helping to harmonize regional approaches to insect farming and consumption.

Dr. Hermogene Nsengimana, Secretary General of the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO), called on African Union member states to enforce the newly adopted standards, saying this would be key to unlocking the full potential of intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

“Standards that remain on paper are meaningless. It is implementation that drives trade and builds consumer trust,” stressed Dr. Hermogene Nsengimana, Secretary General of the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO).

Adding to the discussion, Dr. Jimmy Pittchar of the International Centre for Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) emphasized the sector’s vast economic potential. He cited estimates valuing the current global market for edible insect products at $1.35 to $1.77 billion, with projections suggesting it could grow to between $4.38 and $17.9 billion by 2033.

According to The Observer, both the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) and the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) have pledged to support 200 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in adopting the new standards and scaling up the production of insects for food and animal feed.

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