diff --git a/yummain.py b/yummain.py
index 8fc518d..44dc2e1 100755
--- a/yummain.py
+++ b/yummain.py
@@ -28,6 +28,7 @@ from yum import Errors
 from yum import plugins
 from yum import logginglevels
 from yum.i18n import _ 
+from yum.misc import to_unicode
 import cli
 
 
@@ -60,7 +61,8 @@ def main(args):
         return 1
 
     def exFatal(e):
-        logger.critical('\n\n%s', str(e))
+        u_e = to_unicode(e)        
+        logger.critical('\n\n%s', str(u_e))
         if unlock(): return 200
         return 1