Uganda’s minister of works and transport, Gen. Edward Katumba, has ordered the suspension of Uganda Airlines staff members who were on duty as a man hawked grasshoppers, or “nsenene” as they are known locally on board a plane. A video of the incident has been making the rounds on social media and the airline is now considering adding the delicacy to its menu.
“About the video making rounds on social media of someone vending nsenene aboard Uganda Airlines, I have spoken to the leadership of the airline to take action against the staff who were in charge when this happened,” Katumba tweeted.
On November 26, a man was caught on camera scooping out grasshoppers and selling them to enthusiastic passengers aboard the national carrier en route to Dubai. Uganda Airlines issued a statement on Saturday condemning the “disruptive” incident, which occurred while passengers were boarding the plane.
“We will not take this conduct lightly as it undermines the spirit of the national carrier. No one should be exposed to unruly market experience on our flights,” the airline said.
In a surprising turn of events, Uganda’s national airline announced that, upon request, it would consider adding nsenene to its menu for local and international flights, claiming that it would promote the East African country’s culture.
“We have picked lessons from this incident. Some of our customers enjoy nsenene. The addition of the delicacy to our menu will bring the Ugandan culture to the world.”
“He bought a ticket?” one social media user jokingly commented below the video that has been making its rounds on social media.
“But they were buying [the nsenene]!” another said.
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