diff --git a/src/core/sat_main.py b/src/core/sat_main.py
index 2710a0c1..d700f45e 100644
--- a/src/core/sat_main.py
+++ b/src/core/sat_main.py
@@ -147,9 +147,14 @@ class SAT(service.Service):
     def _postMemoryInit(self, ignore):
         """Method called after memory initialization is done"""
         log.info(_("Memory initialised"))
-        self._import_plugins()
-        ui_contact_list.ContactList(self)
-        ui_profile_manager.ProfileManager(self)
+        try:
+            self._import_plugins()
+            ui_contact_list.ContactList(self)
+            ui_profile_manager.ProfileManager(self)
+        except Exception as e:
+            log.error(_(u"Could not initialize backend: {reason}").format(
+                reason = str(e).decode('utf-8', 'ignore')))
+            sys.exit(1)
         self.initialised.callback(None)
         log.info(_(u"Backend is ready"))