[1] The instrument is also referred to by various other names, including omugalabi, engaija, egaabi, omugudu, omugwabe, long drum, Engaabe (in Lusoga), and emiidiri (in Ateso).

[2][3][4][5] The Engalabi is a long, cylindrical drum covered with skin, typically sourced from reptiles such as pythons or monitor lizards, or from antelopes, stretched over its wooden dowels.

[2][9][10] It is then tapped with the hands and is often played in combination with other instruments, such as Ngoma drums, rattles, Ensaasi, royal horns, or flutes.

For instance, it is played throughout the night during the "Okwabya Olumbe" ceremony, loosely translated as "Attending the funeral," and during twin initiation rituals.

[2] However, in the Lubiri, women were permitted to play the Engalabi during a "Masiro" ceremony dedicated to the Kabaka's predecessors by the royal orchestra.