06/02/2024
EMPAAKOS AND THEIR MEANING
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Empaako is a praise or respect name introduced in Bunyoro-Kitara by the Babiito ruling class in the late 14th Century. Empako comes from Luo root word “Pako” meaning Praises. It was a yearly cultural harvest ceremony done in the Capital Hoima and attended by all Chiefs of the empire and commoners.
Empaako is a naming system practised by the Batooro, Banyoro, Batuku, Batagwenda and Banyabindi, whereby children are given one of twelve names shared across the communities in addition to their given and family names.
The special name is selected from a closed and fixed list of 12 called Empaako.
The 12 Empaako names include Okaali, Bbala, Acaali, Araali, Apuuli, Akiiki, Adyeri, Abwoli, Atwoki, Ateenyi, Abbooki and Amooti.
The first ( Okaali) is reserved for the king.
The community shares the other eleven .
Like any new leader or management, when the Babiito took over from the Bachwezi, they made some changes or brought new management skills to the Empire of Kitara.
We have to note that the Babiito were bachwezi who had grown up from the maternal side of their family. Growing up from the maternal side with their mother Nyatworo and grandfather Chief Labongo, meant that they had learnt some of the customs of the Luo people.
Hence when they moved into Kitara, they introduced some of those customs.
1. When they moved into Kitara, they found two class systems, Bahuma and Bairu, so they introduced a third class system called “banyoro”meaning “chief or elevated men” if one was appointed to govern an area he was referred to as a Munyoro. These Banyoro were sent to govern some areas of Muhwahwa(Buganda). So the Baganda would say “Batuletede Omunyoro” hence the name become synonym with Bakitara People.
2. The Chief/head of Babiito Clan is/was given a title of Okwir which is Luo Origin. Okwir in Luo means chosen one or highly poisonous, so it would perhaps mean a dangerous/tough person.
3. The introduced title for Kings, like Olimi, Winyi. etc
here is the list if the titles and their origin luo meanings.
a. Ocaki- means, to begin with or the first one. Its a name given to first born sons.
b. Oyo- means path ,its name given to someone born along the road or while mother is travelling.
c. Winyi- means to listen.
d. Olimi(olimo)-means to recieve, its aname given to someone treated with high value, (lim) also means wealth. The meaning is very diverse
e. Nyaika- mean, spread here/ multiply here.
f. Nyabongo – comes from Labongo meaning a child born in a foreign land and has no support from his blood brothers.
Below are the empaako with the actual meanings from the luo origin, as well as how and when a particular empaako should be given.
1) Atwooki “ah-TWOO-kee” from Atwok meaning shinning star. – Give if your child is born on a night with stars.
2) Ateenyi “ah-TEE-nyii ” from Ateng meaning beautiful. – Give empaako if you believe your child is beautiful.
3) Apuuli “ah-PUU-lee” from Apul or Rapuli or Ayaa. Apuuli is a very lovely girl in a family and all good things are given to her such as; Sweets, biscuits, good dresses, generally good things. She is the center of attraction and love in the family. Because finally God has answered the parent’s prayers of having a baby girl.
4) Amooti “ah-MOO-tee” from Amot meaning Princely- A sign of royality, mostly sons and daughters of kings and chiefs.
5) Akiiki “ah-KEE-kee” from Ochii/Achii/Akiki meaning followers of twins, In Kitara its mostly for first borns who are going to bare the responsibilties of thier siblings, a Sign of Sentiment.
6) Adyeeri “ah-DYE-ree” from adyee/odee meaning parents had failed to get a child and only got one after after seaking spiritual intervation, hence fortunate/truth.
7) Acaali/Achaali “ah-CHAA-lee” from Ochal meaning replica, Given to a child who resembled someone in the family or Ancestors.
😎 Abbala “ah-BAA-la” from from Obal or Abal meaning destroyer/Warrior, usually for sons of chiefs.
9) Abbooki “ah-BOO-kee” from Obok or Abok meaning beloved, child out of strong love between parents.
10) Araali “ah-RAH-lee” from Arali/Olal or Alal/lost – Given to the only surviving child after mother has been losing many of her children and parents uncertain of child’s survival.
11) Abwooli “ah-BWOO-lee” from Abwolo meaning “I lied to you or did I lie to you”. i.e A woman can conceive but continues going into periods. That is where the lying come from, so a child born out this circumstance is named given Empaako Abwooli
12) Okali “oo-KAA-li” from “kal” (Royalty). Only for King in Kitara Customs!!
