Bunyoro Kitara North American Association-BUKNAA

03/29/2026

Happy Palm Sunday to all members of the Bunyoro Kitara North American Association. May this season bring peace, unity, and renewed faith to our community.
We warmly invite you all to celebrate together at the July 4th Empaako Festival in New York.

03/23/2026

4th July, 2026
Don't miss Empaako Celebration in New York 🇺🇲

What's your Empaako? ❤️

03/23/2026

Abaijukuru, Happy New week !
Bunyoro must shine 🔥

03/15/2026

What's your Empaako? ❤️

03/03/2026

Empaako Festival 2026, Happening on 4th of July in New York city..
Bunyoro and friends of Bunyoro, are you readddyyy??

03/03/2026

Abaijukuru, Happy World Wildlife Day 2026
Themed "Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Heritage, Health and Livelihoods "

Celebrated every March 3, World Wildlife Day raises awareness about protecting wild animals and plants, inspiring global action to safeguard our planet’s natural heritage.

03/01/2026

Did you know that in1879, a native surgion in Bunyoro Kitara kingdom performed a successful cesarian section on a young woman in her 20s that saved the mother and child in her pre hospital days.

Bunyoro Kitara kingdom located in western uganda was one of the most powerful kingdoms in Central and East Africa from 13th century to the 19th century.

The kingdom up to date is hailed for resisting colonial rule under the rule of the mighty Omukama Kabalega.

Through its centralized organized system, Robert W . Felkin, a Scottish medical anthropologist witnessed the highly developed surgical procedure performed in the kingdom

The tools that were used, the knife and the needle were taken by Europeans and are now kept in Pitt Rivers Museum Oxford UK in Bunyoro section.

Admin: Goodgal Julie Crawford

02/27/2026

Abaijukuru, how do we call the music in the background?


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02/27/2026

Your African Journey starts here,! visit the Explore Uganda stand in Florida and discover breathtaking adventures from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to the majestic Rwenzori Mountains. Experience culture, wildlife, and unmatched hospitality.

Admin: Goodgal Julie Crawford

02/25/2026

Hello grand daughters and sons of Bunyoro Kitara kingdom, Guess what's happening in New York City 🇺🇲 on the 4th of July, 2026. Please mark your calendar..!

02/24/2026

COMING SOON: EMPAAKO CELEBRATION HAPPENING ON 4th OF JULY, 2026 IN NEW YORK CITY.

Empaako is a traditional naming system of praise names (often translated as "pet names") used by the Banyoro, Batooro, and other communities in Western Uganda. It is a unique social identifier used for greeting, expressing affection, or showing respect.

Cultural Significance: In 2013, the tradition was inscribed on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage as it requires urgent safeguarding.

Watch out for the 2026 Bunyoro Kitara Empaako Festival in New York 🇺🇲

There are 13 known Empaako names; twelve typically begin with the letter "A" and are for the general population, while one starts with "O" and is reserved for royalty.
The 13 Empaako Names and Their Meanings

Abbala: Exclusively for men; refers to someone who loves others unconditionally.
Abooki: Unisex; describes someone who respects the roles of elders, teachers, and leaders.

Abwooli: Unisex; refers to someone who is diplomatic and avoids causing unnecessary pain with the truth.

Acaali: Exclusively for men; refers to someone who resembles another in nature and character.
Acaanga: A very rare name; its specific cultural meaning is still being researched.

Adyeeri: Unisex; refers to a friendly, affectionate person with a "larger-than-life" heart.

Akiiki: Unisex; the only name with indigenous Bunyoro-Kitara roots (the others are believed to be Luo). It refers to one who upholds community interests with love and honesty.

Amooti: Unisex; refers to someone who genuinely respects and speaks well of others.

Apuuli: Exclusively for men; refers to someone with the ability to attract others, similar to the innocent charm of a child.

Araali: Exclusively for men; refers to a "savior" figure, often associated with the power of thunder.

Ateenyi: Unisex; refers to someone who understands and loves a wrongdoer without condoning the wrong act.

Atwooki: Unisex; refers to someone who is strict but protective, acting as one who "embraces or punishes" as needed.

Okaali: Strictly reserved for the King (Omukama); it signifies the highest responsibility and leadership.

Choose your Empaako wisely ❤️❤️

Admin : Goodgal Julie Crawford

12/01/2025

Our sincere condolences 💐