diff --git a/bitbake/lib/bb/ui/taskexp.py b/bitbake/lib/bb/ui/taskexp.py
index 2b246710ca..81392977a0 100644
--- a/bitbake/lib/bb/ui/taskexp.py
+++ b/bitbake/lib/bb/ui/taskexp.py
@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@
 #
 
 import sys
+import traceback
 
 try:
     import gi
@@ -218,6 +219,9 @@ def main(server, eventHandler, params):
     except client.Fault as x:
         print("XMLRPC Fault getting commandline:\n %s" % x)
         return
+    except Exception as e:
+        print("Exception in startup:\n %s" % traceback.format_exc())
+        return
 
     if gtkthread.quit.isSet():
         return