A monument has been erected in memory of the inscription of the Empaako tradition.
Last year, the empaako tradition was inscribed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, UNESCO as an intangible heritage in need of safeguarding. This was during the UNESCO conference held in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Empaako is a naming system practiced by the Batooro, Banyoro, Batuku, Batagwenda and Banyabindi communities in western Uganda. In the tradition, children are given one of twelve names shared across the communities in addition to their given and family names. Addressing a person by her or his Empaako name is a positive affirmation of social ties. It can be used as a greeting or a declaration of affection, respect, honour or love.
The monument erected in the center of Fort Portal town will have artistic images explaining the tradition, inscribed on it. Some of the images include that of a woman preparing a millet meal, which is a central ritual in the naming ceremony of the Empaako. The twelve pet names will also be written on the monument.
Several clans in Tooro Kingdom contributed funds to have the monument set up.
Steven Rwagweri, the executive Director Engabu Za Tooro, a cultural organization in the Rwenzori region, which initiated the need to recognize the tradition, says that the monument will remind and inspire the local community in Tooro on the need to preserve and protect their heritage.
The monument will be unveiled at a ceremony next week, when UNESCO will hand over the certificate for the inscription of the Empaako tradition. UNECSO will then provide financial support to implement the programme of safe guarding the tradition like mass sensitization. UNECSO will also help promote and popularize the tradition internationally.
The empaako tradition has come under threat from groups like cults especially the Bisaka cult, which has a large following in Kyejonjo District. The cult prohibits its believers from greeting using the pet name, which they associate with the demi- gods.