Empaako

Empaako (Tooro pronunciation: [empáːko], Nyoro pronunciation: [empâːko], sg.: empaako), also known as pet names or praise names, is a pet name which affirms one's social ties; it may be used as a greeting, a declaration of affection, respect, honour or love.^[1][2][3]

Empaako tradition of the Batooro, Banyoro, Batuku, Batagwenda and Banyabindi of western Uganda
UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
Country	Uganda
Reference	00904
Region	Africa
Inscription history
Inscription	2013 (8th session)
List	Need of Urgent Safeguarding

Empaako is a naming system practiced among the Batooro, Banyoro, Batuku, Batagwenda, and Banyabindi peoples of Uganda by which children are given a name.^[4] They were introduced after the Biito clan conquered the Empire of Kitara,^[1] and are nowadays used as a respectful and endearing way to refer to someone in conversation, separate from individual given names and surnames.^[5] Empaako is included on the UNESCO list of intangible world heritage requiring emergency safeguarding.^[4]

Empaako names

The empaako names, twelve in number plus one intended for kings, are as follows:^{[6][1][7][8][9]}

Abbooki

Abbooki is an empaako that comes from the Luo word aboko "I have narrated".^[10]

Abwoli

Abwoli is an empaako that can be used for girls/young women in a context where it would be improper to ask for her empaako.^[7] It comes from the Luo word abwolo "I deceive", and is associated with cats.^[8]

Acaali

Acaali is an empaako reserved for men and comes from the Luo word acalo "I look like you".

Acanga

Acanga (often spelt Acaanga, however this spelling violates the Runyoro-Rutooro orthography) is an obsolete empaako, allegedly used by chiefs, thus it is not in common use.^{[11][12][citation needed]}

Adyeri

Adyeri is an empaako that comes from the Luo word adyero "I have sacrificed".

Akiiki

Akiiki is an empaako does not have a certain Luo origin, although it is associated with the title "Saviour of the Nations".^[8]

Amooti

Amooti is an empaako that is generally used by the Omukama and the aristocracy, although normal people can still use this empaako. It comes from the Luo amoto "I greet".

Apuuli

Apuuli is an empaako used exclusively by males, and can be is used for boys/young men in a context where it would be improper to ask for his empaako.^[7]

Araali

Araali is an empaako reserved for men, and does not have a Luo origin, although it is associated with thunder because the god of lightning, Kagoro, has this empaako.^[8]

Ateenyi

Ateenyi is an empaako that comes from the Luo word atenyo "I have left". This empaako is associated with the mythical snake of the River Muzizi.^[8]

Atwoki

Atwoki is an empaako that Gerald Heusing claims comes from the Luo word adok "I go back", although this is disputed.^[13]

Bbala

Bbala (or Abbala) is an empaako reserved for men and was originally reserved for those close to the king.^[1] It comes from the Luo word abalo "I spoil it".^[14]

Okaali

Okaali is an empaako that is not in common use since it is only used for the Omukama (king) when he is being worshipped in rituals or in special ceremonies.^[15] In other cases, Amooti is used to refer to him, thus the Omukama is the only person in a community to have two empaako. After becoming the Omukama, he takes the empaako of Amooti and Okaali, no matter what empaako he had before. It comes from the Luo word okalo "he/she jumped over".^[16]

Usage

Empaako are used to emphasize the social bonds existing when addressing the person. It is used to greet or show affection, respect, honor or lover.^[4][17] 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.^[4] After the ceremony, a meal of millet and smoked beef is shared. Presents are given to the baby and a tree is planted.^[4][18]