Walumbe is a central figure in traditional Buganda Kingdom mythology and is known as the spirit or bringer of death.
According to the story, Katonda (God/Creator) had a daughter named Nambi. Many men wanted to marry her, but she chose Kintu, the first man on Earth. Before they left heaven, Katonda warned Kintu and Nambi never to return because Walumbe, Nambi’s brother, might follow them.
However, after reaching Earth, Nambi realized they had forgotten millet for their chicken and convinced Kintu to return to heaven. During their return, Walumbe secretly followed them back to Earth.
On Earth, Walumbe asked Kintu to give him one of his children as payment or sacrifice, but Kintu refused. In anger, Walumbe began killing Kintu’s children one by one. This is believed in Buganda mythology to be the origin of death among humans.
Katonda later sent another brother named Kaikuzi to capture Walumbe and return him to heaven. Kaikuzi nearly succeeded, but people made noise during the search, allowing Walumbe to escape underground. It is believed he still lives beneath the earth, continuing to bring death to humanity.
