Zombo, Uganda: Hundreds of jubilant Alur subjects on Friday, October 24, 2025, gathered along the sacred banks of Leda Stream in Owenjo Chiefdom, Jangokoro Sub-county, Zombo District, to witness a long-awaited moment in Alur history — the cultural reconciliation between the Okuru and Paidha-Omua Chiefdoms.
The event marked the end of a centuries-old rift between two royal lineages whose feud, according to oral history, dates back to their great-grandfathers in the 17th century.
His Majesty Ubimu Phillip Rauni Olarker III, King of Alur and Leb Tong (Spearhead) of Okuru Chiefdom, joined Rwoth Emmanuel Kermit Angia of Paidha-Omua Chiefdom to perform the sacred Alur reconciliation ritual known as “Thumu Caak.” The rite symbolically lifted the ancient oath of separation — the Ngulu Caak — restoring peace, unity, and mutual interaction between the two royal houses.
“This ceremony has set us free,” declared Rwoth Angia. “From today, I can visit Kal Atyak without hesitation, and my brother, the Ubimu of Alur, can come to Kal Omua. We will discuss our matters together. I feel free and overjoyed that this moment has arrived.”
His remarks drew ululations, rhythmic drumming, and traditional Alur chants as hundreds of subjects rejoiced, many calling the reconciliation “a miracle in our lifetime.”
The “Thumu Caak” ritual — dating back to around the 1660s — traces its roots to the bitter separation of two Alur princes, Ngira II and Magwar, sons of Rwoth Omyer Dhyang. Ngira II’s lineage continued through the Okuru Chiefdom, now led by Ubimu Rauni III, while Magwar’s line extended to the Paidha-Omua Chiefdom, now under Rwoth Angia.
According to Prince Lawrence Opar Angala, Prime Minister of the Alur Kingdom, the reconciliation fulfills the cultural requirement that ends centuries of symbolic separation.
“The Ngulu Caak oath binds the two chiefs until they reconcile,” Opar explained. “Today’s ritual restores balance and harmony between their royal lines. It allows the two to freely interact, collaborate, and serve their people as brothers.”
Opar said the reconciliation also paves the way for Ubimu Rauni III’s 15th Coronation Anniversary, slated for October 31, 2025, in Paidha-Omua Chiefdom, Paidha Town Council, emphasizing that the unity of the two royal houses was a vital cultural prerequisite for the celebrations.
A Ceremony Blessed by Nature
The day’s event drew hundreds of Alur subjects, youth, elders, women, and clan leaders, who thronged the riverside under cloudy skies. As the ceremony ended, a light drizzle fell over Leda Stream, which many interpreted as divine blessing upon the reconciliation.
His Majesty Ubimu Phillip Rauni Olarker III, addressing the gathering, said the restoration of unity marked a new chapter for the Alur Kingdom.
“Today, we celebrate peace and unity,” he said. “From this day forward, we shall walk together as one. God has placed me here to ensure progress for all Alur subjects.”
The two royal leaders sealed the ceremony by embracing and planting banyan trees on either side of Leda Stream — a sacred symbol of unity expected to stand as a living testament to the reconciliation.
The ceremony stirred emotional reactions from the subjects.James Ubima, Secretary of Social Services for Abanga Sub-county, said: “I am blessed to witness this historic day. Unity is paramount, and I urge our subjects to emulate this gesture to make our world a better place.”
Fulumena Winja, a 60-year-old elder from Uwenjo Clan, remarked: “We grew up hearing that these two chiefs could not meet because of their ancestors’ separation. I am overjoyed that this moment has come to pass.”
Cosma Ukweda from Pakadha, Abanga Sub-county, added: “This reconciliation brings hope for future generations. Our leaders have shown that unity is strength.”
Sunday Wedunga, a grandson of Acil from Uwenjo, noted: “We used to hear this story like a legend. I am happy to see our King and Rwoth Angia reconcile. This is history that our children will remember.”
A New Dawn for the Alur Kingdom
The reconciliation clears all cultural barriers preventing the two royals from physical, cultural, and social interaction. It also enables them to collaborate freely on matters of development, culture, and governance across the Alur Kingdom’s 56 chiefdoms in Uganda and 8 in the Democratic Republic of Congo, representing millions of subjects.
The ceremony sets the tone for the upcoming 15th Coronation Anniversary of Ubimu Phillip Rauni Olarker III, to be held at Kyambogo University Playground, Paidha Town Council, on October 31, 2025 — an event expected to draw thousands from across Alurland.
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