Isingoma Labongo Rukidi
Second born of the four first Babiito brothers
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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]