Mukasa (deity)
Deity in the Buganda religion
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Mukasa, known as Mugasa in the Runyakitara/Rutara languages,[1] is a member of the pantheon of gods or balubaale in Baganda traditional religion and is considered the god of prosperity, harvest, fertility, and health.[2] In several accounts, he is also associated with divination and prophecies.[3] Mukasa was originally a hero who ascended to become a deity. He is one of the highest ranked gods in the balubaale,[4] and in some sources, is known as its chief.[5]
Mukasa is also recognized as the guardian of Lake Victoria. His primary temple is located in Bubembe Island and is still present to this day.[4]
Representation
Family
Mukasa is the son of the god Wanema and is the grandson of Musisi, the personification of earthquake. He has a brother, the god of war, Kibuka.[2][5] He had three wives: Nalwaŋga, with whom he had two children (Lwaŋga and Musozi); Nadjemba, who also had two children (Buguŋgu and Kisituka) with him; and Naku, who bore three of his children (Kaumpuli, Nairuma, and Nanziri). His wives and children are also part of the balubaale.[3]
Myths
Ascension to godhood
When Mukasa was a boy, he suddenly disappeared. When people searched for him, they eventually found Mukasa sitting under a tree in an island far away from his home.[4] Due to this odd occurrence, the people considered Mukasa as a superhuman being, and in his honor, built him a house.[2] Mukasa lived there for a while, helping humans with issues regarding health and prosperity. It is said that Mukasa ate only the heart, liver, and blood of the animals.[4] According to one source, the mortal Mukasa eventually died and became a god.[2] Another source, however, said that Mukasa simply disappeared from earth.[3]