| Isingoma Mpuga Rukidi | |
|---|---|
| Omukama of Bunyoro | |
| Reign | c. 16th century |
| Successor | Ochaki Rwangira |
| Born | Bukidi (Lango sub-region) |
| Burial | Dyangi [a] |
| Spouses | Iremera; Bunono |
| House | Biito dynasty |
| Father | Kyomya |
| Mother | Nyatworo |
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]
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]
In Acholi tradition, Labongo was a son of Olum and a brother of Gipiir and Tiful. [13]
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