Empaako

Empaako is a practice of the Batooro, Banyoro, Batuku, Batagwenda, and Banyabindi peoples of Uganda by which children are given a name. This name “is one of the twelve names common to the communities” and is added to their first and last name.[1]

Empaako is included on the UNESCO list of intangible world heritage requiring emergency safeguarding.[2]

Usage

The name empaako is used to emphasize the social bonds existing when addressing the person. It is used to greet or show affection, respect, honor or lover.[1]

The empaako is awarded during a ceremony by the clan chief in the newborn's home. The choice of name is based on an analysis of the child's traits by his paternal aunts who look for a resemblance with other members of the family. Once the name is chosen, the clan chief attributes it to the child.[1]

After the ceremony, a meal of millet and smoked beef is shared. Presents are given to the baby and a tree is planted.[1]

Empaako names

The empaako names, twelve in number plus one intended for kings according to The Ugandan , are as follows (those which do not contain details can be worn by men or women without distinction):[3]

  • Abbala (for men): which was originally reserved for those close to the king. The name comes from the luo “abalo” meaning “I spoiled him”.
  • Abbooki  : which would be for people loving the roles of parents, teachers, elders, mentors, etc. It comes from the luo “aboko” meaning “I told it to you”.
  • Abwooli  : which relates to diplomatic relations. It comes from the Luo word “abwolo” meaning “I fooled you” but which took on the following meaning: “all truth is not always good to say, because it could hurt or create unnecessary and avoidable pain”.
  • Acaali (for men): which is worn by people resembling another in nature and character. It is close to the Luo word “acalo” meaning “I look like you”.
  • Acaanga  : which would be unusual.
  • Adyeeri  : which comes from the luo “adyero” meaning “I sacrificed you”. In bunyoro , it would designate a friendly, affectionate person with a big heart.
  • Akiiki  : which comes from bunyoro-kitara. It promotes the family, community and national interests of the person, who wears it out of love, care, kindness and honesty.
  • Amooti  : which comes from the luo “amoto” meaning “I salute you”. In bunyoro-kitara, it designates a respectful person.
  • Apuuli (for man): refers to a person who attracts people.
  • Araali (for man): refers to a person who is perceived as having the power to make lightning fall.
  • Ateenyi  : derived from the luo “atenyo” meaning “I left him”. It designates a person who loves and understands wrongdoers without condemning their faults.
  • Atwooki  : refers to the one who kisses or punishes.
  • Okaali (for kings): comes from the luo “okalo” meaning “he/she jumped on you”. In the Bunyoro and Toroo kingdoms, it designates the people with the highest responsibilities within a Kingdom.

Notes

  1. ^ a b c d Description of the empaako
  2. ^ Inscription as intangible world heritage - 2013
  3. ^ Birungi - The Ugandan

Bibliography