(Kasese) – The busy highway connecting the town to Fort Portal to Kasese has been overtaken by crowds of grasshopper vendors and buyers, leading to rising concerns about road safety. The seasonal grasshopper trade, known locally as “nsenene,” has become a lucrative business for many, especially during its peak season. However, the increased presence of vendors on the road has created a hazardous situation for both pedestrians and motorists.
Nsenene, a popular delicacy across Uganda, has transformed the lives of many people who engage in its trade. The grasshoppers are highly sought after, and this has resulted in a booming business in Kasese, with hundreds of people crossing the highway each day to buy and sell the insects. However, this influx of people onto the busy road has led to fears of accidents due to the dangerous manner in which vendors and buyers are moving around.
In Kasese municipality, particularly near Asamu Model Secondary School in Nyakasanga III Ward, Nyamwamba Division, pedestrians are crossing the highway in large groups without considering the speeding vehicles. This chaotic scene has drawn the attention of local residents and drivers who have expressed concerns about the safety of everyone on the road.
Taxi driver Musa Kaija, who operates along the Kasese-Fort Portal route, voiced his frustration about the situation. He explained that people often cross the road without checking for oncoming vehicles, creating a serious safety hazard. “You just see people crossing the road without checking either side yet the highway has speeding vehicles,” Kaija said. He and other drivers are worried that a tragic accident could happen at any moment if the situation is not addressed.
Similarly, John Mumbere, a bodaboda rider, recounted an incident where he nearly collided with a child who was crossing the road in the midst of the crowd. He also noted that some vendors have set up stalls in the parking areas and spaces reserved for pedestrians, further narrowing the road and creating obstacles for traffic flow.
For the vendors themselves, the highway has become the most convenient place to do business. Rosette Kabugho, a 40 year old mother of five, explained that the road’s strategic location makes it easier for them to attract customers. “I am the mother and father of my children. I have to see a way through to have them live,” she said, emphasizing the importance of earning a living through the sale of grasshoppers.
Despite the risks, some vendors, like Joyln Biira, argued that they are aware of the dangers and take precautions when using the road. “This is not the first time we are selling grasshoppers from this place,” she said, indicating that they have been operating in the area for some time.
Local authorities are aware of the situation and have begun taking steps to address the safety concerns. Mwajuma Mbabazi, the town agent for Nyakasanga III Ward, explained that the municipality’s town clerk had tasked them with assessing the safety of the businesses in the area. As a result, vendors have been asked to relocate to safer spots, such as the green belts or Sebwe road. However, many vendors are reluctant to comply with the request.
“We have ordered them to operate from the green belts or at least a long Sebwe road. Unfortunately, most of them don’t want to comply,” Mbabazi said. Authorities have hinted that they may need to involve law enforcement if the vendors continue to ignore safety regulations.
Olivia Ninsiima, the vice-chairperson of Nyamwamba Division, has also been working to engage the grasshopper dealers. She explained that the local government is trying to organize the vendors into an association, which would allow them to benefit from government programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga. Ninsiima believes that better organization could help resolve the issues related to road safety while also improving the livelihoods of the grasshopper vendors.
The authorities are continuing their efforts to balance public safety with the needs of the grasshopper vendors, but the growing crowds and risky behavior on the highway remain a serious concern.
