Cursed Legacies: An Analysis of Jennifer Makumbi’s Kintu

Article Summary

Kintu tells the story of Kintu Kidda, who is cursed after committing an act on his way to the kingdom. The curse first manifests through the sudden death of Baale, Kintu’s favorite son. Nakato, unable to bear the loss of her only child, takes her own life. Kintu realizes too late that Ntwire’s curse has struck. Later, his descendants attempt to break free of the curse. Will they succeed?

Analysis

Kintu left a strong impression on me, particularly in how Jennifer Makumbi weaves human instincts with traditional beliefs. A central conflict emerges between Christianity and tradition. Interestingly, the characters who choose Christianity often seem the most conflicted. For example, Kanani constantly questions his place in heaven. I despised Kanani as I read because he was a man whose entire life was dictated by the Bible.

I was especially concerned with the twins, Ruth and Job, who are neglected by their parents, Faisi and Kanani. Their obsession with salvation leads them to overlook their children’s wellbeing. As Makumbi writes:

“Unfortunately, Faisi and Kanani’s concern was so focused on God’s judgment for their lust that they neglected the well-being of the twins in the next room. Their house had no ceiling because in the 50s when Kanani had it built, Jesus was coming soon.”

Kintu Kidda himself is a powerful character, caught between personal values and societal expectations. He loves Nakato deeply and wants to marry her, but must wait until the older twin, Babirye, finds a husband. He is pressured into taking on many wives, something he finds unnecessary. Makumbi illustrates this tension vividly:

“At the thought of his wives, Kintu gnashed his teeth. He felt bound. He was a prize bull thrown into a herd of heifers.”

Despite these pressures, Kintu comes across as a caring father and husband, especially toward Nakato. Yet he also bears the weight of universal suffering, which is why he cannot bring himself to announce Kalema’s death.

What I learned from Kintu is the resilience of the human spirit in the face of hardship. Characters like Suubi Nakintu and Isaac Newton grow up under almost impossible conditions. Suubi, for instance, lives with an aunt who constantly asks her when she will die. With no secure place to sleep, she often accepts beds from strangers, though such offers came with painful costs. One passage left me with a lasting sadness:

“In bed, Toofa asked if he could rub himself on Suubi. At first Suubi was not sure. But all he did was rub his hardness on her back-side. Suubi did not mind as it made something not unpleasant flicker between her legs. Before long, Toofa would rattle like convulsions and make a striking mess. That was the only problem: the slime and smell. Suubi was eleven.”

Isaac Newton, born of defilement, grows up in Katanga with his grandmother. His story suggests that, in some mysterious way, the universe always conspires in our favor.

Strengths

Kintu is rich in culture and tradition. Growing up, I heard many versions of Kintu’s story, but none as vivid and detailed as this one. The novel immerses you in the traditions of the ancient Buganda kingdom, exploring patriarchy, and the central role of matriarchy in polygamous society.

Weaknesses

One challenge is the sheer number of characters who share the name “Kintu.” It requires careful reading to keep track of them all.

Recommendation

I recommend Kintu for adults who enjoy African literature, particularly stories rooted in Ganda culture. It is also a great choice for anyone interested in fiction set within traditional societies.