Isingoma Labongo Rukidi

Isingoma Rukidi Mpuga, also called Labongo,^[2][b] was the first Biito king (Omukama Omubiito) of Bunyoro-Kitara in present-day western Uganda.^[3] In Nyoro tradition, he is considered to be the twin brother of Kato Kimera, the first king of Buganda.^[4]

Isingoma Mpuga Rukidi
Omukama of Bunyoro
Reign	c. 16th century
Successor	Ochaki Rwangira
Born	Bukidi (Northern Uganda)
Burial	Dyangi[a]
Spouses	Iremera; Bunono
House	Biito dynasty
Father	Kyomya
Mother	Nyatworo

Early life

Nyoro tradition

In Nyoro tradition, Isingoma Mpuga Rukidi was born in Bukidi as the second son of Kyomya, a member of the Chwezi dynasty, and Nyatworo, the daughter of a Lango man called Labongo,^[c] of the Mukwonga clan. He was the younger brother of Nyarwa, the twin brother of Kato and the older brother of Kiiza.^[5] Isingoma is derived from the Nyoro phrase ise-ngoma, meaning "father (of the) drum(s)".^[6] 'Mpuga' comes from the name of a black-and-white cattle, empuuga, referencing Rukidi's mixed ancestry.^[7][8] The name 'Rukidi' references his birthplace.^[9]

Rukidi and his brothers are said to have been hunters who were loved by the people of Bukidi.^[10][9] One day, a diviner called Nyakoka^[d], also from Bukidi, approached them and told them to go to Kitara, because then the country lacked a king, and they did so.^[7] Nyakoka accompanied them on the journey.^[11][12]

Acholi tradition

In Acholi tradition, Labongo was a son of Olum and a brother of Gipiir and Tiful.^[13]