Katonda

Katonda serves as the supreme creator deity in the traditional religious beliefs of the Baganda people, primarily located in modern-day Uganda. As the father and leader of the Baganda pantheon, Katonda stands above the collective gods known as the balubaale (singular: lubaale).

Similar to many supreme deities in African traditions, Katonda is conceptualized as a remote god who resides in the heavens and maintains distance from directly influencing earthly matters. His presence manifests through the actions of the balubaale rather than through direct intervention. Despite this detachment from worldly affairs, Katonda maintains a significant role in the afterlife, where he presides over the judgment of humans.

In his role as creator, Katonda formed the first human man, Kintu. He also created Bukulu, a deity whose descendants comprise most of the balubaale pantheon.

According to historical accounts by Apollo Kaggwa (1934), Katonda appears to have held less prominence in Baganda worship practices compared to the balubaale. Kaggwa noted only a few temples dedicated to Katonda in the Kyagwe region, and his research indicated that Mukasa was generally considered the leader of the balubaale in practical worship.