By Mike Rwothomio

The King of Alur Kingdom His Majesty Ubimu Phillip Rauni Ularker III, has welcomed his counterpart, the Paramount chief of Acholi chiefdom Rwoth David Onen Acana II, at Alur Kingdom's Palace, Kal Atyak Winam, in Atyak Sub-County, Zombo District.

The two Cultural leaders met to divulge into report on the Luo convention held in Siaya County, Nyanza, Kenya, establishment of the convention Uganda chapter and matters of mutual cooperation between the two cultural institutions, amongst others.

The historic meeting was greeted by mild drizzling rain, after months of dry spell and in Alur Kingdom, it's regarded as a profound blessing. The Delegation were welcomed by a lively performance by Cultural troops, learners from different schools including members of the community, who led the procession from Yamu trading center, to Alur Kingdom Palace, Kal Atyak Winam.

Alur King His Majesty Ubimu Phillip Rauni Ularker III (left), welcome Acholi Paramount Chief Rwoth David Onen Acana II, (right)at Kal Atyak Winam, Alur Kingdom Palace, Zombo District on Friday 7, March, 2025

The extensively publicized historic royal visit of the Paramount Chief of Acholi to Alur Land on Friday, March 7, 2027, saw Paramount chief of Acholi and his delegation received an heroic welcome by the Alur Kingdom's Delegation in Pakwach District, accompanied by the Law enforcers headed by the District Police Commander Zombo, Nelson Nahabwe.

The Alur and the Acholi trace their lineage to Nyipir and Nyabongo, twin brothers from whom the two tribes decend, more than 600 years ago . Today, their combined population runs into the millions.

The Alur King His Majesty Ubimu Phillip Rauni Ularker III, called the day , " an historic visit between the two brothers, marking the beginning of profound cooperation between we the Alur and the Acholi" 

He also reiterated the need for profound Unity , noting that , " this historic meeting is a blessing as evident in the heavy downpour we received now , it's a profound blessing" 

Ubimu who lauded Acholi Paramount Chief for the visit, further stressed the need for safeguard of Luo history.

" We need to guard our Luo history, it is getting mixed with myths" Ubimu stated.

Meanwhile the Acholi Paramount Chief Rwoth David Onen Acana II, noted that, " this was my long awaited moment , I would love to thank God for allowing us meet here" 

Acana in his brief remark, expressed Concerns over lack of unity amongst the Luo Subjects, and stressed the need for profound love of Luo history.

" Why can't we be proud of our rich history, we are living apart from each other , we don't value each other yet we are one blood, today marks the beginning of our togetherness, and if we work together, we shall develop", said Acana, adding tha " We still have biting poverty, we need to work together"

He also highlighted the challenge about sorry state of Roads in Alur Kingdom, urging Luo subjects to unite and use one voice to push for what the subjects desire , adding that in the long run, the unity will help the Luos and Ugandans as a whole.

Acana further rallied Luo subjects, to use the available resources to send children to school, sidestepping from disunity and jealousy.

Beyond the cultural bonds, the meeting is expected to lay the foundation for collaboration in the areas of development and socio- economic transformation for both the Alur and Acholi peoples, as well as Ugandans at large.

The Alur Kingdom's Prime minister Opar Lawrence Angala, speaking during a royal welcome, described the meeting as" historic and best of the best ", calling for meaningful unity , that will earn Luo descendants the deserved respect nationwide.

Paramount Chief assured that the engagement will continue, calling upon Alur King to visit Acholi Land in the nearby future.

Martin Okumu , the Deputy Prime minister Acholi Chiefdom, who double as minister of finance, planning and investment, commended Alur Kingdom for the heroic welcome.

He stressed the need for fostered unity amongst Luo subjects, highlighting profound benefits of living in diversity.

"Let's strengthen relationship between us and ensure our people develop, together we can" Okumu noted, before pointing out benefits of profound Unity that he believe will earn the Luo tribes a profound respect.

Acholi Paramount Chief traveled with delegation including the Deputy Prime minister, Chiefs, Ministers amongst others.

The two Cultural institutions have been assured of the Government support, by Assistant Resident District Commissioner of Zombo Bruno Manano, who also called upon the two Cultural institutions to iron out protracted land disputes amongst the Luo subjects.

Grace Freedom Kwiocwiny, the former Northern Uganda state minister, currently the senior presidential advisor, stated that, " today we have rewritten the Luo history by meeting for the first time since Nyipir and Nyabongo separated, it marks the beginning of reconciliation" 

Kwiocwiny called upon the two Cultural institutions to address the issue surrounding the customary land tenure system, plagued by protracted land disputes.

The Ugandan Peace envoy to Sudan Major General Dick Olum, expressed joy over the historic engagement, calling for unity and strong lobbying power from the Politicians, to spur development.

Major General Dick Olum also pointed out , " disunity amongst Politicians in our Alur Land", stressing the need for unity.

Subjects and local leaders react.

The LCV chairperson of Zombo District James Oruna Oyullu, expressed happiness over the historic meeting, saying " this is the first of its kind, we believe this will bring harmony and more development due to shared ideas, unity amongst others " 

Oyullu also commended Acholi Paramount Chief for keeping and living in harmony with Alur subjects, living in Acholi Land.

Meanwhile Patricia Jane Alobo, the West Nile queen said, " this is a big milestone, we are optimistic that the unity between the two Cultural institutions will help us push for services like infrastructure, education that we are yearning for"

The two Cultural leaders who reiterated a call for a joint collaboration, promised to work together, burying aside their difference that existed for over 500 years. They later held a close door meeting, discussing developmental issues for their subjects.

The historic meeting is viewed as significant milestone in strengthening the deep-rooted genealogical, historical, and cultural ties between the Alur, Acholi, and other Luo- speaking tribes.

Beyond the cultural bonds, the meeting is expected to lay the foundation for collaboration in the areas of development and socio- economic transformation for both the Alur and Acholi peoples.