Buda (Ge’ez: ቡዳ) (or bouda), in Ethiopian and Eritrean folk religion, is the power of the evil eye and the ability to change into a hyena.
Buda is generally believed by the wider society to be a power held and wielded by those in a different social group, for example among the Beta Israel or metalworkers.
[6] Some Ethiopian and Eritrean Christians carry an amulet or talisman, known as a kitab, or invoke God's name, to ward off the ill effects of buda.
[7] A debtera, who is either an unordained priest and/or educated layperson who practices traditional medicine and sometimes magic, creates these protective amulets or talismans.
[1][6] Ordained Ethiopian Orthodox priests also continue to intervene and perform exorcisms on behalf of those believed to be afflicted by demons or buda.