Empako is a naming system used by the Batooro, Banyoro, Batuku, Batagwenda, and Banyabindi which consists of twelve names shared among the communities in addition to the given name and family name.
Since the ancient Africans had knowledge about their way of life and had a deep understanding of human character for the purpose of showing respect for one another, they composed identifier names called Empaako. They were given to every individual, regardless of age, gender or ethnicity.
The name is used to greet others as a way of expressing affection, respect, honor, or love. It can be used as a greeting and a means of expressing affection, respect, honor, or love. In addition, it can defuse tension or anger and bring the tribe together in a peaceful way. Empaako is given at a naming ceremony where the clan head performs it. It is received by the paternal aunts who examine its features.
The names are chosen based on the person's resemblance to existing relatives. Once the name has been chosen, the clan head declares it to the child. A celebration meal of millet and smoked beef is followed, gifts are presented and a tree is planted. There has been a general decline in appreciation of traditional culture and language related to Empaako, which has led to a dramatic drop in transmission through naming rituals.
As a result of declines in appreciation of traditional culture and the diminishing use of the language associated with the element, Empaako has dropped dramatically in transmission, thanks to a general decline in appreciation of the element and use of the language associated with it. The clan head declares the name to the child and presents millet and smoked beef to the baby. Gifts are presented to the baby and a tree will be planted in its honor.
The name Empako, however, has lots of magical power vested in this practice of allocating names for an individual. During rituals performed, including those associated with dining, the gods ascend to the parents or authority figures. As an individual's name has a lot to do with their practical behavior, and in this way, has a lot to do with their name.
Nowadays, only the Babiito (Clan of the Kings) who are still preparing a traditional meal for this purpose, known as "Omukaro gwa Katuzi noburo," meaning mushrooms and meat mixed with millet flour, a dish prepared by clan heads when giving empaako names of Luo-Bito origin. However, it cannot alter the magic of this custom once it is gifted to someone else.
References
(https://ich.unesco.org/en/USL/empaako-tradition-of-the-batooro-banyoro-batuku-batagwenda-and-banyabindi-of-western-uganda-00904) (https://www.makeheritagefun.com/empaako-tradition-uganda/)