The rainy season in Uganda, from March to May and October to November, is a time for celebration. Not only does it bring much-needed rain to the country, but it also marks the beginning of grasshopper season.
Grasshoppers are a popular delicacy in Uganda, and for good reason. They are crunchy, salty, and packed with protein. They can be eaten boiled, deep-fried, or even roasted.
Across the streets of Kampala, you can find young men and women selling fresh grasshoppers from woven baskets on their heads. Their wings and legs have been plucked off, and their bodies are often dusted with salt.
Grasshoppers are not just a popular snack in Uganda. They are also a cultural tradition. In the Masaka region, grasshoppers are considered to be a symbol of fertility and abundance.
During the grasshopper season, young men in Masaka set out to the fields with their tools of the trade: bright lights and non-luminous objects. They use the lights to attract the grasshoppers, which then fall into barrels that have been set up below.
Once the grasshoppers have been trapped, they are sold to vendors who then sell them to the public. Grasshoppers can be found in markets all over Uganda, but the largest market is in Kampala.
The popularity of grasshoppers in Uganda has declined in recent years due to the loss of natural forests, where grasshoppers breed. However, grasshoppers remain an important part of Ugandan culture and cuisine.
Grasshoppers are a delicious and nutritious snack that is popular in Uganda. They are also a cultural tradition, and their popularity is a sign of the country’s rich biodiversity.
