The Complete Story of Kintu and Nambi

According to Buganda legend, Kintu was the first man on earth, living alone with his cow. He was a peaceful and simple man who took good care of his only companion.

One day, Nambi, the daughter of Gulu (the king of the sky), came down to earth with her brothers. They were amazed to find Kintu and his cow. Nambi and Kintu immediately fell in love.

Nambi took Kintu to meet her father in the sky. Gulu was not pleased that his daughter wanted to marry a mere mortal. He set impossible tasks for Kintu to prove his worthiness.

First, Gulu asked Kintu to cut down a huge forest in one day. With help from the ants and other creatures, Kintu completed the task. Next, Gulu asked him to fetch water from a rock. Again, with help from the animals, Kintu succeeded.

Finally, Gulu asked for a special gift that only he possessed. Through wisdom and cleverness, Kintu managed to retrieve this gift as well. Impressed by Kintu's perseverance and resourcefulness, Gulu reluctantly gave his blessing for the marriage.

As they prepared to leave for earth, Gulu warned them not to return for anything, especially not to ask for anything from Walumbe (Death), Nambi's brother. But as they journeyed, Nambi realized she had forgotten the millet for her chicken. Despite Kintu's protests, she returned to fetch it.

Unfortunately, Walumbe followed Nambi back to earth. This is how death came to the human world, according to Baganda mythology. Despite this tragedy, Kintu and Nambi had many children and became the ancestors of all people.

The story teaches about the importance of obedience, the consequences of our choices, and the origin of death in human society. It remains one of the most important cultural stories in Ugandan folklore.