By Sylvia
Residents of Fort Portal city, Kabarole and Kasese, are concerned about the developed complications after eating the November grasshoppers also locally known as Nsenene, a nutritious delicacy in Uganda.
About Grasshoppers
In Uganda, Grasshoppers come out from the ground when rain is too much, months of may and November.
At each major crossroads and market areas, vendors offer the delicacy to passers-by, who can’t get enough. In baskets, on the ground or even directly in casseroles, these insects aren’t repulsive to locals, but a valuable source of delicious protein. “It tastes a bit like meat, or even chicken,” explained a passerby.
Grasshoppers bring discomfort to consumers
Residents have raised several complaints about this month’s grasshoppers, saying they have experienced stomach pain, nausea,and diarrhea while others went ahead and vomited.
According to a source only identified as Ivan, a business person from Fort Portal, he on Monday bought fresh grasshoppers at Fuelex kisenyi a major crossroad in the city, which he took home for preparation.
He however could not believe his eyes, after sharing the freshly prepared delicacy to his family, only to register complications.
”My child and wife started developing complications including vomiting and stomach pain. It could not be about the method of preparation, because they were prepared from home.” Remarked Ivan
Another resident identified as Kemigisa narrated to us that after preparing well the grasshoppers, she served them to her family members w who treasured the dish,but to her shock they started getting diarrhea one by one shortly after supper.
Rare case
Grasshopper consumers have explained that this is the first time in years, for people to experience such complications after eating Nsenene, predicting that there could be something wrong.
They also observed that the grasshoppers are different from the usual ones, noting the current ones are not oily.
Our reporter visited the Nsenene business areas, and established that the Nsenene are slightly smaller compared to the normal size, and that they are not as tasty as usual.
The business people of this delicacy, have reportedly not made much sales following the above issues.
What health workers say
According to Dr. Bernard Bwambale, a re-known nutritionist at KRC, attributed the root cause to food safety. He supposes that their harvesters could have harvested them with a chemical compound that brings about the mentioned complications.
He however stated that they will quickly take up the investigations, but need to first identify the source of grasshoppers that has harmed the region.
Health Expert warns on Nsenene consumption
Meanwhile the Kabarole district educator-DE, Catherine Kemigabo, has warned people to be cautious of the problem before it escalates.
Notably people of Kasese,and Bunyangabu are also complaining about the same problem, but a sample of the insects has been sent to Uganda Virus Research Institute for further review.
