You may have heard me mention a few times that I was given an African name the first time I was here. My name is Salongo, which means “father of twins”. Having twins is very celebrated in this culture – you are blessed. I am often introduced by the locals as Salongo Mark and the reaction is always a big smile and a firm handshake. Kelly is Nalongo Kelly – mother of twins.
By African culture too, we would have specific names for each of our kids. Aidan would have been named Wasswa and Sydney Nakato. Anyone who heard their names would instantly know they were twins and the order of their birth. By tradition we are supposed to have 4 more kids that follow after. Since we are not having any more kids then the cousins are to take their proper names. Karly, being the next born girl would be named Kizza, then Kara would have been named Nakamya and Jillian’s name would be Nakitio.
According to Joseph we need to have one more child in our family – there must be 5 following the birth of twins and this fifth child would be named Kitooke. Since we are not having more children this task falls on my brother so, Rob… Joseph says by tradition you need to have another child.
So, if ever in Uganda and you meet someone named any of the African names listed above you would know right away that they are the third or fourth to follow a twin.
