By Mike Rwothomio

ZOMBO: His Majesty Ubimu Phillip Rauni Ularker III, the revered King of the Alur Kingdom, has called on the government to prioritize infrastructure development, including roads and schools, to uplift the lives of his subjects.

Speaking at his 19th enthronement anniversary on May 19, 2025, at Kal Atyak Winam in Zombo District, Ubimu emphasized the need for improved infrastructure to support education.

He specifically highlighted the dilapidated state of schools and appealed for assistance to King Rauni Primary School, a community-founded institution in the rural Yil area of Anyola Parish, Atyak Sub-County.

Pupils of Yil Community school in Anyola Parish present their Gift to the King.

This school serves a predominantly agrarian community struggling with access to primary education due to distant facilities.

The Ubimu's appeal aligns with ongoing concerns about the poor state of government-aided schools in Zombo, where crumbling infrastructure hampers learning.

Community are currently concerned over the deplorable condition of the 119-km Nebbi-Paidha-Warr-Vurra national road, despite repeated government promises to tarmac it.

Recently, a planned peaceful demonstration led by Padyere MP Isaka Otimgiu to protest the road’s condition was halted by security forces.

Ubimu reaffirmed his commitment to promoting government initiatives, urging his subjects to embrace poverty alleviation programs.

Alur King His Majesty Ubimu Phillip Rauni Ularker III.

The 19th enthronement anniversary, a significant cultural milestone for the Alur people, marks the day Ubimu Ularker was enthroned as their leader.

The King also praised a Kenyan Luo documentary team for their efforts to preserve and document Alur traditions and culture. 

The anniversary serves as a vital platform for cultural institutions like the Alur Kingdom to strengthen community bonds, preserve traditions, and promote unity.

The chief guest, Assistant Commissioner Lucy Oto from the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, lauded the Alur Kingdom for fostering peace, unity, and support for government programs.

Alur Cultural troupes entertain guests at the function

“I urge traditional leaders to champion unity and development to lift our people out of poverty,” Oto stated, pledging government support for Alur’s progress.

The celebration saw hundreds of subjects from across the Kingdom honor their Ubimu with vibrant Alur cultural dances performed by cultural troupes, reinforcing the event’s deep cultural significance.

The Prime minister of Alur Kingdom Opar Lawrence Angala, used the event to provided rich Alur's history and storytelling, ensuring their transmission to younger generations.

The event has already fostered collaboration with external groups, as seen with the Kenyan Luo documentary team, enhancing cultural documentation and global recognition.

Additionally, these celebrations reinforce the Kingdom’s role in advocating for development, amplifying calls for infrastructure improvements and poverty alleviation, while solidifying its influence in aligning cultural values with modern governance initiatives.

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at zoomer Africa