Summary

In Chapter One, Kittu leaves his home in Buganda in 1750. He thinks of one of his wives, Babirye who he calls dreadful and angry, and hopes he can forget about her while travelling. His sons, Kalema and Baale miss the meeting for the journey, and Kintu thinks they should have been women. It is revealed that he is going to meet the new king Kyabaggu who claims his brother abdicated it. Most believe he killed his brother instead. Kintu believes that the Queen Mother is the one using her sons to overthrow each other so she can keep her power. As the Ppookino (governor), Kintu has served five kings and has witnessed the slaughter of previous rulers. Therefore, he blames women for the instability and is curious about the king’s sanity.

Chapter Two starts as the group...