Paidha, Zombo: The Alur Kingdom has announced a renewed cultural peace initiative aimed at addressing persistent cross-border tensions affecting Alur communities living along the Uganda–Democratic Republic of the Congo boundary.
Prince Lawrence Opar Angala, Prime Minister of the Alur Kingdom, made the declaration during a high-level cross-border engagement held at Paidha Cultural Centre in West Nile.
“The fact that we are meeting today means that all is not well at the border,” Prince Opar told delegates, stressing the urgency of culturally anchored conflict resolution.
Transnational Cultural Identity
The Alur people — a Nilotic ethnic group within the broader Luo cluster — share language, customs, social structures and historical heritage across both countries. Colonial-era territorial demarcations divided the community, with the majority now residing in the DRC’s Mahagi Territory in Ituri Province, while significant populations remain in Uganda’s Zombo and Nebbi districts.
The Kingdom spans 64 chiefdoms — 56 in Uganda and eight in the DRC — making it one of the few transnational cultural institutions in the region.
Prince Opar revealed that the royal council will work with chiefs in the DRC to document grievances and compile comprehensive reports for submission to both governments for policy action.
The initiative builds on earlier calls by His Majesty Ubimu Phillip Rauni Olarker III for collaborative peacebuilding during his coronation anniversary in Paidha last year.
The Paidha dialogue was convened under the auspices of Uganda’s President’s Office, represented by Zombo Resident District Commissioner Festus Ayikobua.
The DRC delegation was led by Mahagi Territorial Administrator Col. Jacques Lalua Disanoa and included traditional leaders from Ker Alur chiefdoms, among them Rwoth Fauste Rwothnga Ugwaro Nyipir III, Rwoth Ukethwengu Arnold, Rwoth Emille Kamanda and Rwoth Okia Songa III.
Col. Disanoa described the consultations as constructive. “Mahagi and Zombo share values started by our ancestors and cannot be separated, as we are all Alur people,” he said.
Ugandan officials, including West Nile Police Spokesperson SSP Josephine Angucia and local government leaders, commended the cultural institution’s role in mediating disputes and fostering cross-border harmony.
Stakeholders — including immigration authorities, security agencies, the Uganda Revenue Authority, district leaders and civil society actors — adopted a series of resolutions focused on enhanced bilateral communication mechanisms, Joint on-site assessments and community reconciliation, Strengthened support for border security structures and addressing land disputes and illegal cross-border movements.
The initiative complements broader diplomatic frameworks, including the September 2024 Joint Technical Committee meeting in Goma under Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which developed a roadmap for reaffirming approximately 817 kilometres of the shared border.
Prince Opar disclosed plans to convene chiefs from both countries in the coming weeks to deepen cultural diplomacy and prevent escalation of communal tensions.
“Our people are bound by shared ethnicity, language, culture and history. Cultural institutions must lead in restoring trust and stability,” he affirmed.
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