Katonda is the name used to refer to the supreme creator god in the traditional religion of the Baganda people, who are mostly based in present-day Uganda. [1] Katonda is considered as the father and leader of the Baganda pantheon, known collectively as the balubaale (sing. lubaale). [2] [3]
Like many African supreme gods, Katonda is conceived as a distant god that dwells in the skies—which represented the heavens—and does not directly influence the material world. Instead, his presence is felt through the actions of the balubaale. [1] Despite his lack of involvement in worldly affairs, Katonda is present in the afterlife and presided over the judgement of humans. [4]
As a creator god, Katonda also created the first human; the man, Kintu. [1] He is also said to have created Bukulu, a god whose offsprings represent the majority of the balubaale. [2]
According to Apollo Kaggwa (1934), Katonda seems to have less of an influence in Baganda worship traditions compared to the balubaale, finding only a few temples in Kyagwe dedicated to Katonda. His accounts instead considered Mukasa to be the leader of the balubaale. [5]
According to Arthur Cotterell (1997), there are several names that are used in reference to Katonda: [4]