Empaako in English is translate as pet name, is a praise name or a name of respect used among the Batooro, Banyoro, Batagwenda, Batuku Banyabindi and Banyaruguru.
Among the Batooro culture where empaako are respected and preserved, empaako is something that can't be under looked, even those that are from tribes that don't have pet names are given one once they are in Tooro.
After birth, every Mutooro is given this praise name by the parents, which selection is determined by cultural aspects like who in the clan had that pet name, and passed on long time ago. For twins, their pet names are pre- determined. Kato and Nyakato share (Abooki), Isingoma and Nyangoma share (Amooti).
Even those who follow twins, their pet names are always the same even if they are from different families. What should not be forgotten is that it's not one's choice to have a particular Mpaako.
Who performs the ceremony?
According to tradition pet names are decided upon by the parents of the child. Originally when a baby was born in Tooro, it was given a Kitooro name. And this naming of Empaako in Rutooro language is called “kuhaka omuntu” Empaako is given at a naming ceremony performed in the home and presided over by the clan head.
Here the paternal aunts receive the baby and examine its features. Any resemblance to existing relatives forms the basis of the choice of name. The clan head then declares the name to the child. After naming the child, family members with invited guests share a meal of millet, Firinda and smoked beef (Omukaru) then tradition songs follow.
After food is being shared family members and friends present their gifts to the baby and a tree is planted in its honor. The transmission of Empaako through naming rituals has dropped due to inter-marriages and it’s diminishing because of lack of the elders to teach their children their mother language and cultural norms.
Some of the elders say that there are no longer extended families and family/clan meetings where they used to seat and tell their children such information regarding the ceremony due to technology, rural urban migration, time, poverty and work.
The Empaako Tradition.
Most attractive to the Batooro tribe is the tradition of pet-names, which are accorded to every Munyoro or Mutooro in addition to their traditional and religious names.
A pet-name, Empaako is one thing that will readily identify a Munyoro or a Mutooro. It is okay among the Banyoro and Batooro not to know one’s surname or religious names but everyone is expected to know another person’s pet name because it is what is used more often.
When a Munyoro or Mutooro meets another Munyoro or Mutooro, the first thing is to ask the other person’s Empaako, (Empaako yaawe?) and then greet the person using the pet-name.
Having that background in mind, let's look at all the twelve mpaakos and what they mean in the land of the soft-spoken. Some of the eleven mpaakos that start with letter "A" are believed to have Luo origins, with one with starting with letter "O" claimed to be have originated from Bunyoro.
Abbala: Is akin to the Luo word Abalo meaning I have spoilt it. According to our Kitooro culture, it means someone who loves other people unconditionally. It was formerly reserved for those close to the king, a reason it's rare.
Abooki: This comes from a Luo word Aboko which means I have narrated to you The person who is given this mpaako is expected to be someone who cherishes the roles of parents, teachers, elders, mentors, counsellors and leaders.
Abwooli: Comes from a Luo word Abwolo which means I deceive you. However, in Kitooro culture. it has to do with diplomatic relationships. The reasoning behind it is that “not all truth needs to be told always, because it might cause unnecessary and often avoidable hurt and pain”.
Acaali: This one also traces its origin from Luo, it relates to the word Acalo, meaning I resemble you In Tooro, it refers to someone who resembles another in nature and character and who easily relates to other people.
Adyeeri: In Luo the word that gave this Mpaako origin is Adyero which means that I have sacrificed you. In Tooro, Adyeeri is someone who is friendly, affectionate with a larger- than-life heart.
Akiiki: Is one who upholds national, community and family interests with great love, care, kindness, honesty and such attributes. This, probably, explains why this is a very popular mpaako among parents. It has no Luo root, and it is the only praise name whose root is in Bunyoro-Kitara.
Amooti: From a Luo word Amoto meaning that I greet you. In Bunyoro-Kitara, however, Amooti refers to someone who genuinely respects other people, thinking and speaking well of them.
Apuuli: Means one who has powers, abilities and skills to attract other people, exhibiting qualities often observed and admired among children. Araali: One who saves other people and is perceived to have the power of thunder, giving the expression Araali Nkuba.
Ateenyi: Is derived from the Luo word Atenyo, meaning I have left it. I n our culture, Ateenyi is someone who loves and understands a wrong doer without condoning wrong doing.
Atwooki: One who embraces or punishes –as the case may be-other people either physically or spiritually. In most cases people who have this pet name are strict.
Okaali: Comes from a Luo word Okalo, meaning she/he has jumped over you. In Bunyoro-Kitara, however, it implies someone with the highest responsibility as a leader in the kingdom Rukir’abasaija Agutamba Omukama.
It's used by Omukama (King) only and even then by men only when greeting him. What is important note is that Akiiki, Apuuli, Araali and Atwooki seem to have no definite Luo roots. It is important to remember that there is no mpaako exclusively reserved for women, while four; Araali, Apuuli, Acaali and Abbala are exclusively for men. The rest are unisex, save for Okali which is only for kings.
When batooro greet each other, they use the empaako, e.g. "Oraire ota, Amooti?" (Good morning, Amooti?). Amooti is the empaako in this example. Very often one will hear an exchange like this:
"Empaako yaawe?" "What's your empaako?"
"Adyeeri, kandi eyaawe?" "Adyeeri, and what's yours?"
Having established each other's empaako, they proceed to exchange greetings. Our relatives, close friends, and (sometimes) important members of the community, expect us to know their empaako. It is impolite not to know it!
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