PR OVE RB S ON

JULY 2020

Published by CivSource Africa OmutimaOmugabi

#
About
CivSource Africa
CivSource Africa is a philanthropy support and
advisory organization committed to nurturing a
more sustainable, effective and connected civil
society that advances the dignity and voices of
all people. We do this through promoting
reflective, responsive, and accountable
philanthropic practice.

CivSource Africa is also passionate about

promoting African philanthropy and telling the
stories of African giving and generosity.

Plot 18, Balikuddembe Road, Naguru Kampala,

Uganda
P.O Box 4310 Tel: +256 393 224 056
civsourceafrica.com
info@civsourcea.com

https://www.facebook.com/CivSourceAfrica
https://twitter.com/CivsourceAfrica
Forward

In the months just after CivSource Africa was born, one of the things we
knew we wanted to do was to understand and tell stories of giving in Africa
broadly and in Uganda in particular, since that is where we are located.

We started a campaign called #OmutimaOmugabi (A Heart that Gives), to

enable us find, highlight, document and celebrate the ways in which we as
Africans give.

Our intention was to spark a conversation on how giving is done in Africa,

to spark a conversation on what makes our/African giving distinct and
unique. In Uganda, we took to the streets, armed with questions and a
camera, to ask all manner of people how giving is done.

Our journey of gathering stories of giving also led us to think about

compiling proverbs on giving. Proverbs are a key part of the African way of
life. Proverbs form part of the avenues through which we pass on our values
and generosity is a fundamental value in Africa. Thus, we embarked on
collecting proverbs about giving both from across Africa. Whenever we
held or attended meetings, we asked people to share proverbs on giving
from their different languages.

This little ‘Book of Proverbs’ is the outcome of that effort. We hope you will
enjoy the proverbs; we hope you will share them as widely as you can and
we also hope you will share more proverbs with us. Given our vast
continent, we are sure we did not gather all the proverbs there are. So
please share more proverbs with us.
It is important to continuously remind ourselves and posterity that we are a
giving people. Additionally, we don’t stop at just reminding ourselves, we
document our giving and we celebrate it!

Africans are givers!

CivSource Team
Acknowledgements
While compiling this book of proverbs, we reached out on social
media, asking people to send us proverbs. We would like to
especially thank those who answered our call including: Dr. Daniel
Ruhweza, Peter Magelah, Kangere Amooti, Grace Ruvimbo
Chirenje, Nicholas Sengoba, Annet Koote, Helen Namulwana,
Benson Obua-Ogwal, Agnes Kabajuni, Uwe Habbi, James
Muhindo, Uwineza Jeanne, Maxwell Kamanyire, Samuel Bakutana,
Kiiza Wa’Ugungu, Eddie Kigozi, Sonia Rosem Karungi, Wakib
Bunnya, Lydia N Schubert, Persist Ushindi, Robinah Nazziwa,
Jill Wa Mukama, Rachel Mugarura, Harold Kaiga, and so many
more! Thank you for being generous with your wisdom handed
down to you by our ancestors.

This book would not have been possible without the generous
support of Global Fund for Community Foundations. We thank you
heartily!

We also thank Mr. Stuart Nsingwire, who helped design the book.

These proverbs were curated by Ms Jacqueline Asiimwe.

Ach oli Pro v erb

Two
friends
share the
white ant.

1
 Ak a n P rov erb

A village
united
in fraternity
is prosperous.

The old woman looks after

the child to grow it’s teeth.
The young one looks after
the old woman when she
loses her teeth.

2
Ak a n Pro v erb

One hand is never

enough to lift
a heavy load.

A single hand
cannot cover
the sky.

3
Alur Prov erb

4
 e b s
t h e w i n ,
h e n e r j o .
W e spid a l i o n
h
of t can tra p
they

5
Berber Proverb

The cleverness
of one alone is
a shallow well
that soon dries up.

6
C ha gg a P r ov e r b

There is always
room for one more
at the supper table.

7
 Chewa Proverb

Kindness calls
for a return of
kindness.

The helpfulness
of your friend is
your provision
for your journey.
The spoon full of relish gets
tasty if it goes around from
one to another.

To give is
to invest.
8
Egyptia n P r ove r b

An onion shared
with a friend tastes
like roast lamb.

One foot isn’t

enough to
walk with.

9
Giria ma P r over b

It is obvious
when you
receive a visitor
and you cook
for him or her
you will eat too.

10
Lug anda Prove rb s

Being quick to give makes you

give even to one who will never
give to you.

One by one makes a bundle.

One who does not ask,

does not receive.

The man you offered no

coffee will be the one you will
meet when you are in need.

11
 m b i a ) P roverb
Lozi (Za

i s n o t
Giving
g . I t i s
losin r
i n g f o
keep
r r o w .
tomo

12
Lu soga P ro ve rb s

Those that are together

will bite the meat or the bone.

What is not shared

burns the hands.

What your friend has

is what they give you.

Your friend who gives,

you also give.

13
 U nattri bu te d A f rica n

Lum a saba Prov e rb

Mountains
never meet,
but people do.

14
Mal aga sy P roverb

However little
food we have,
we will share it,
even if it’s only
one locust.

15
Sami a Pr ov erb

A good heart
will make you
eat hidden
things...

16
 g i v
erbe
' t
v
pro
Afr
ica
d o n
n

o u e
n gift a
Y e o
som t for a old
g o a i l l h e .
d s t r o p
n
a o th e
ont
b
i a n P
ro
a c t ver

t
p t
Egy

b e s i t y
The enero ch s
f g h i .
o a t w o n e
t h l y d
is c k
q ui
is
17
Swahil i Prove rb s

Charity is a matter of the

heart not of the pocket.

Compassion is like a well.

Concern is like medicine.

Giving is only a matter of

willingness, not of wealth.

Kindness does not go rotten.

18
S wa hi l i P rov e rb s

Happiness requires
something to do, something
to love and something to
hope for.

If somebody covers the roof

badly, throw up bundles of
grass.

A [good] farmer
does not forget the
old worn out hoe.

19
Swah ili Pr ove r bs

One does not refuse

water to the digger
of the wells.

One knee does not bring

up a child.

Responsibility never dies.

The beehive cannot be raised

without being pulled up
with a rope.

The one who visits you is

better than the one who
sends you greetings.

20
Swah il i P r ove r bs

The reward of kindness is

kindness.

The sieve does good, [even

though] bad things fall upon
it.

To give to your friend is not

to cast away; it is to store for
the future.

Two hands wash each other.

21
U nat tr i bute d A fric a n

A good deed is something one

returns.

A good deed will make a good

neighbour.

A water pot cannot stand on its

own without support.

Gold is a debt we can repay, but

kindness not till our dying day.
He who eats alone, dies alone –
without mourners.

He who gives a gift does not

measure it.

22
 Unat t rib ute d A fric a n

A good deed is something one

If you have, give; if you need,
returns.
seek.
A good deed will make a good
It is better to be kind to our
neighbour.
neighbours than to cross the
world to offer incense to our
A water pot cannot stand on its
ancestors.
own without support.
It is hard for even the most
Gold is a debt we can repay, but
selfish man to eat fish in
kindness not till our dying day.
darkness.
He who eats alone, dies alone –
without mourners.
Kindness is a language which
the blind can see and the deaf
He who gives a gift does not
can hear.
measure it.

23
 Un a t tr ibute d Afr ic a n

If you have, give; if you need,

Success is a ladder which
seek.
cannot be climbed with your
hands in your pockets.
It is better to be kind to our
neighbours than to cross the
The man who remembers
world to offer incense to our
others remembers also his
ancestors.
creator.
It is hard for even the most
The sun does not forget
selfish man to eat fish in
the village just because it is
darkness.
small.
Kindness is a language which
the blind can see and the deaf
can hear.

24
Un a t tr ibute d Afr ic a n

He who allows his day to pass

by without practicing generosity
and enjoying life’s pleasures is
like a blacksmith’s bellows:
he breathes but does not live.

The generous man enriches

himself by giving; the miser
boards himself poor.

Between true friends,

even water drank together
is sweet enough

Happiness is not perfected

until it’s shared.

25
Yoru ba P rove r b

When you
give you get
ten times over.

26
 Luga nda Prov e rbs

Luo Prove r bs

Cing ma miyo, nongo

The hand that gives, receives.

Gum tye imic

There are blessings in giving.

Mii wek inong

Give then you will be given.

Otwong wile ki otwong

You give to the one that has
ever given you.

27
 Luga nda Prov e rbs

Engalo Enjerere ( Enkalu)

Ziwomera Nyinizo
The hands that have nothing in them( that do
not give) are just good for the owner.

Omukwano gubasaza mu
kabu.
When you love someone you can share the
smallest thing like a little insect smaller than a
white ant.

Emeeme egabagaba
enegejjanga.
A generous soul will always increase...

28
 Luga nda Prov e rb s

Munno mukabi,
ye munno ddala
Friend in need is a friend indeed.

Etasiima ebula
agiwa
An ungrateful person receives
nothing from anyone

oluganda kulya oluganda

enjala teludda.
Sharing food is the foundation of kinship. If
you get a visitor and you don't give them
something to eat they will never come back.

29
 Luga nda Prov e rbs

Akusuubiza akira akumma.

Better is a promise than an outright rejection

Ono alya noli alya gwe

mukuto.
True satisfaction is achieved
when everyone is eating

Okuddiza guba mwoyo.

To give back something without being asked
( a gift, food, drink) is a sign of appreciation
(love, sacrifice, noble spirit, generosity)

Namukadde kyabanakyo
kyawa munyanyiwe.
One gives to a friend what they have.
You don't wait to get much.
30
 Luga nda P roverb s

Asaba Aweebwa
Ask and you will receive.

Namukadde kyabanakyo
kyawa munyanyiwe.
One gives to a friend what they have.
You don't wait to get much.

Ali vaamu yali yitta 'ekyatto.'

When an ungrateful person comes to
the end of a journey, they speak derogatively
about the boat that landed them safely.
(Do not speak ill of those that help you).

Ono alya noli alya gwe

mukuto.
True satisfaction is achieved when
everyone is eating
31
 Lug anda Prov erbs

Akuwera omwana akila

akwenda.
The one who gives something to your
child is better than the one who
professes love for you

Omukwano gubasaza
mu kabu.
When you love someone you can
share the smallest thing like a little
insect smaller than a white ant.

Wagumbulizi kyabanakyo
kyawa munywanyiwe
There is always something everyone
can share. A caterpillar will give you
it's fur.

Olugend'enjala terudda.
The stomach that goes hungry is unlikely
to return on a visit.
32
 Luga nda Prov e rbs

Oluganda kulya
oluganda enjala teludda.
Sharing food is the foundation of kinship.
If you get a visitor and you don't give them
something to eat they will never come back.

Gwo suus'emywanyi,
gwo sanga ku mayanja
nga wungula.
The person with whom you refuse to share
the coffee beans as a sign of friendship
may be the same person whose boat
you will want to board at the shore
of the lake.

Bwangu bwakuwa, bukuwesa

alikumma
Speedy generosity, makes you donate to a person
who will refuse to give you anything in the future.
if you don't give thought to your role as a benefactor,
your generosity will be exploited by shrewd
opportunists.
33
R u ny ankor e - R uk i ga P rov er bs

Mutuire niyo
muruongoore
The hand that receives a gift from a
friend should give back one as well.

Enfurankye ebura
owagiha
Stingy selfish people receive no
help in their time of need.

Akiibo kaza
owayamugarura!!
A basket of giving is usually given to
those who are generous.
34
 Runy a nk ore - R uk i ga P ro verb s

Hakyiri Nekyira
Kangwaha.
A small contribution is
better than nothing.

Obufura Nobutungyi
Generosity is riches

Entasiima ebura agiha.

An ungrateful person doesn't
receive anything.

35
 Runya nkore - Ruk iga P r ov e r bs

Owakuha kakye,
Niwe waawe.
He/she that shares the little
they have with you, is your
best friend (your dear own)

Entasiima Eburagyiha.
She that doesn't appreciate,
eventually fails to get help. Always say
thank you when you get help lest, you
fail to get help in future!

Kanwe kamwe Nigwe

Muganda.
One by one makes a bundle
36
 Runya nkore - R uk i ga P rov e r b s

Gabiraga zoona
tomanya eyoliihamu.
Feed all, you never know who
will be useful in future.

Enyongyeserezo
teba nkye
Give and give for it is
never too little.

Emitima teshaga munju

A house can never be too small to
accommodate anyone in need.
37
Runy ako re - Ruk ig a P rove rbs

Kwobura ekyiwaha
owanyoko oti tora
akonyo onyuheho
Even when you have nothing
to offer a person, salt to taste
is more than enough.

Kwooba nooha
biri noobiika
He who generously gives
and shares is in effect
investing.

38
Runy a nkore - R uk i ga P ro v e r bs

Ezitahaire tizakiira
Hands that do not give do
not receive.

Engaro eziha nizo

zaakiira
The hands that give are the
ones that receive.

39
Runyankore - Ruk i ga P rove r bs

Akaanna kagezi
kabegera omukuru
ekyenju.
An intelligent child
provides for the elder.

Entasiima ebura agiha

An ungrateful person doesn't
receive anything.

40
Runyankore - Ruk i ga P rov e r bs

Akaibo kagya nju

eri , kagya
kwendayo akandi.
If someone does good to
you, you have a duty to do
good.

Aine ebyokulya
tahoibwaho bantu.
Anyone with food will always
have people with him/her.

41
Runya
Runyakore - Ru- kiRga
nkore uk iProv
ga Pre rb
ovser bs

Akarungi okalya na
ndikatebya
The proverb calls for sharing not
necessarily for gains but social
capital. You share with one who
will talk about the good you
have done.

It calls for sharing for the good of

man kind and not
necessarily for profit or selfish
benefits.

42
 Runy ak ore - R uk i ga P r ov e rbs

Akiibo kaza
owayamugarura!!
A basket of giving is usually
given to those who are
generous.

43
R uny ankore - Ruk i ga P rov e rb s

Okuheeka n’okuguzana
Someday, your generosity will be
repaid.

Owakutonagye
omutonagye
Always reciprocate the
generosity you have
received.

44
Runy ankore - Ruk i ga P rove rb s

Akakye okarya
n’owaawe
People share what they
have with close relations
( bossom friends, relatives )
however little is.

Akakye nikazira
omurisho
Share even a speck for it
only harms the eye

45
Runy o ro Pro ve rb s

Araakuha emyongo,
omuroora ahabisunsa
If one cannot give you the
little they have in times of scarcity;
surely, you can't expect them to
give you more in times of plenty!

Asaba, (nuwe) aheebwa

In case of need, one should never be
coy in asking for something or
expressing their vulnerability.

46
R u nyoro Prov e rb s

Araalya (akanyama/
ak'okulya) ak'omukaikuru,
amuberebenja
If he/she can give you pumpkin leaves;
surely, he/she will give you the whole
pumpkin.

Entasiima, eburwa agiha.

It is he who seeks/asks that is always
given. Put another way: If you do not
ask, you'll not be given.

47
 R unyoro P rov erb s
Nyo r o P rov erb s

Akuha n'omuha, nizo

engonzi ezitafa.
6. Ija ninyija, niryo eirembo
eritafa.
The one with the highest chances to feed
at the old woman's home is the one
who will be humble and always treat
her right.

Ekyanika nsimbi,
kizaara mporaho.
If you do not intend to give or extend
charity; then do not display your wealth
for all and sundry to see.

48
R un yoro P r ov e rb s

Entasiima, eburwa agiha

The fountains of charity always run dry
for those that do not express gratitude.

Aburwa ekyokuha enzini,

tagiteera
The one to whom you give and they
return the favor: that is the foundation
of true friendship.

49
Runyoro P rov e rb s

Ekyanika nsimbi,
kizaara mporaho.
One who displays his wealth/money for
all to see should not get agitated if he
is asked for a loan.

Aburwa ekyokuha enzini,

tagiteera
One who fails to get what to reward
the dancer with should not instead
resort to beating him.

50
Swahil i Prover bs

Hatusaida kwa sababu tunavyo

vingi lakini sababu wenzetu
wana uhtaji zaidi yetu
We don’t help others because we
are rich but because they are in
need.

Umeja ni Nguvu,
Wengano ni udhaifu
Working together is
stronger than working in silos

51
Swa hi l i P r ov e rbs

Muguldedo neguno
chomjiet.
A good heart gives endlessly

Kutoa ni moya na sia

utajiri
Giving comes from the heart
not from surplus

Hisani haiozi
Kindness does not go bad.

52
S wahil i P rove rb s

Jamala yako haipotei:

Your kindness will not be lost.

Jaza ya ihsani ni
ihsani
The reward of kindness is
kindness. A person who
receives kindness should give
kindness in turn.

Kila kitendo
Hisani haiozichema
sadaka
Kindness does not go bad.
Every good deed is an act of
charity.

53
Swa hili Prov e rbs

Kufaa hakudhuru
Giving service does no harm.
A good deed is never lost.

Kwendako mema,
hurudi mema
Where good things go, there
good things return from.
Doing good is receiving good
in return.

Kufaa hakudhuru
Giving service does no harm.
A good deed is never lost.

54
Swahi l i Prov e rbs

Muchwezi njuna
nagawe otaireho
To be helped, your efforts are
necessary.

Adui aangukapo
mnyanyue
When [your] enemy falls, lift
him/her up. Helping an enemy
in trouble may make a friend.

55
Sw a h il i P rov e rb s

Wema hauozi
Kindness [good deeds] never
goes bad. They will receive their
reward. It is like storing something.
Even if you forget the good deed,
the one who received your kindness
will not forget.

Wema na upole
zashinda ukali
Goodness and kindness
are stronger than harshness.

56
Sw a h il i P r ov e r bs

Mwenye kumridhi
mwenziwe, na mungu
humridhi
God is gracious also to a person
who is gracious to others.

Rehema, kisima
Compassion is [like] a well.

Si lazima kuzimia taa ya

mwenzio ili yako ionekane
It is not necessary to blow out the
other person's lantern to let yours shine.

57
Swa hil i P r ove rbs

Chujio hutenda mema,

mabaya huliangukia:
The sieve does good, [even though]
bad things fall upon it.

Daraja lililokuvusha
usilitukane
Do not despise a bridge on which
you have crossed. Do not despise
somebody who has helped you.

58
Sw a hil i P rove rbs

Asokumbuka fadhila
si mtu ni hayawani
One who does not remember a
kindness is not a human being
but an animal.

Mkulima hasahau jembe

kiselema
A [good] farmer does not forget the
old worn out hoe. Don't throw away
people who have been useful to you.

59
 R wa nde se prove rbs

Ndaguha iruta ndagukunze

One I give you is worth more
than one I love you

Kumpa aliyekupa si kupa,

ni kulipa
To give him that gave you is
not giving, it’s repaying

Ahatari umwaga, uruhu

rw'imbaragasa rwisasira batanu
Where there is no greed, even the
skin of a mosquito can cover 5
people. (You dont have to have alot
to give.)
60
Shon a prov erbs

Kupa kuturika
To give is to bank.

Gumwe rimwe
haritswanyi inda
A single thump does
not kill a louse.

Rume rimwe
harikombi churu
A single male person
no matter how big,
does not surround
an anti-hill alone.

61
S hona prove r bs

Muromo haupi
chinopa maoko
The mouth does not give
What gives are the hands.

Atswinya arwad
One who has pinche
has fought; Every little
contribution counts.

Kandiro kanoenda
kunobva kamwe
A small dish goes whence
comes another small one;
r.
One good turn deserves anothe
62
 roverb s
Shona p

m a n g w a na
Chirere r a w o
k u r e
chigozo care
n d it will
Care f o r i t a
r y o u t o m orrow;
fo i l d t h at he
u r c h
Care for yo
c a r e f o r y ou.
may

o v a r u o k o
Chinog g o v i
o h a u
murom the hand.
a w ay is
Wh a t g i v e s w ay;
o t g i v e a
does n
The mouth e r t h a n w o rds.
e e d s s p e a k loud
D
63
 u g u n g u proverb.
L

a m a a w e ,
Naali n
adyambe awe
u m u k a a b b
b e who
Even the on n eat
o t h e r c a
has a m
e p m o t h e r ' s...
at her st

64
Lh uk onz o pr ov erb

Omunakwa
akahulhulha
amaghulhu
A poor person offers
their legs ( their presence)
as Condolences to the
bereaved

65
 g i
g s
i u
s uppr o
r vveer b
o rb
LLuu

ii
::
muu ddyyaass
Kyyoom
K ee
i mmoo n
n yy
kkiiddyyaa i
aasseell fi
fi sshh
TThhiinnggssooff nn b
b yy
ssoonn aarree e
e a
a ttee
pp eerr
iinnsseeccttss..

66
 Lusoga

67
 rb s
A c h o li p ro v e

Dako nywal
ki nyeke rs the a
The women be
il d f o r t h e c o - wife.
ch

c w i n y k i g e r o
Layom
ki nywach xpect a
d o not e
W h e n y o u g iv e ,
n . D o n ’t g iv e to get.
retur

Otwong wile
One good deed
!
deserves another

68
La ngo P rov e r bs

69
 v e rb s
R u to o ro p ro

b u r a m u l i i s o
Akake ka p la c
share somethin
e y o u cannot
g
He on ly
e
small is the ey

a g e n d a n j u
akaibo k u s a
g a r u k a b
eri tika will e receiv
He who gives

i o k a l y a n a
Akarung
n d i k a t e b y a
o d e who will
with tho s
You s h a r e g o
appreciate it

M u n y w a n i
Otalimugaya e akatiito
w e a k u h a i r
waa
n d i a k a k o o t o
ru d e r m in emate a friend
/ underesti
who
Nev e r u n
e n y o u li tt le or much.
has g iv
70
 v e rb s
R u to o ro p ro

a b a T a f e r w a
Ag s makes no lo
ss
S/he who give

a s i g a e m u ,
Embibo b
s a n y i n g i .
bage s e e d a nny OR a seed
d reap ma
Plant o n e d a s many.
and h a r v e s te
is sown as one

o n a , t o m a n y ire
Gabira zo l i t a a h y a
/ e y o
eriba yawe ll (i n
stock in your c
c o
are)
ntext of live e n to you.
Giv e to a n e w il l b e g iv
know which o
for you never

j a r a , a t i k a n u
Arakwisa En o k i
a a r a a l y a h
konk il l s ta
ey have too
rv e y o u says th
One that w
le to s h a re w ith you.
litt
71
 verbs
R u to o ro p ro

a g e n d a n j u
akaibo k u s a
a r u k a b
eri tikag t h a t g eighbor's
o e s t o the n
A baske t
o t r e t u r n e m pty.
house does n

k a h e e b w a
Akake o
owawe to you or
h o is close
T h e o n e w e y have.
es t h e li t t le t h
loves you shar

y w a n i w a w e
Mun m u g a y a
t a l i
akuhaire o u.
e what a frie nd gives yo
Never despis

u h e N i z o
Mpa nk w a
i e t a h
engonz less love
tes e nd
Sharing crea 72
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