Elisha Z. Bwanika
Nsenene – Grasshoppers, Ruspolia differens – are a delicacy in Uganda, mainly enjoyed within Buganda/Central region. Harvesting of grasshoppers usually happens after the rains in the months of May, November and December.
Which means everywhere one turns today, they are bound to see someone harvesting, selling or eating Nsenene.
It is for this reason that all roads, will this Sunday, December 9, lead to Kyadondo Rugby Football Grounds for the inaugural 2018 Pizza Festival.
According to organisers Signet World, the festival is aimed at promoting local recipes.
Signet World partnered with Harris International, the manufacturers of Riham products to make the festival possible.
The ‘family day out’ event will have major pizza houses showcase several recipes including the latest craze, the ‘Nsenene Pizza’.
Racheal Luwedde, the public relations officer of Harris International noted that the company’s sponsorship of the ‘Nsenene Pizza Festival’ is part of its broad strategy of remaining true to Uganda through promoting, funding and partnering with local innovations.
“We are happy to support the Nsenene Pizza Festival. The Nsenene delicacy is one that brings a special feeling to those that love it. To many, it brings up great memories. But Sunday is not just about Nsenene as there will be other Pizza recipes on display. Importantly, the Pizza Festival will be a family day out. And where there is family, there is Riham thanks to our wide range of food and beverages products,” Luwedde noted.
Latif Ssebagala, the Kawempe North member of Parliament, noted that in order to position Uganda as a unique and gifted destination, more effort needs to be channeled towards promoting local recipes and delicacies.
“The rolex is now a popular food because we gave it identity and promoted it globally. The same way we focused on rolex is the same way we should focus on other unique local delicacies such as Nsenene,” Ssebagala, whose constituency is home to the two companies hosting the event, said.
“I can assure you that we shall do everything possible to promote Uganda. Nsenene has been here for years. Masaka district was initially the Nsenene main hub but lately Nsenene is all over the country. We now need to move to the next stage of preservation for long durations and exportation. This Nsenene Pizza Festival is a value addition effort and we should do more in that direction.”
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