By Mike Rwothomio

NEBBI: The Minister of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, Hon. Betty Amongi, has called on the Alur Kingdom to strategically utilize the UGX 60 million monthly grant provided by the government to all gazetted cultural institutions in Uganda.

The funds, pledged by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in 2022, aim to bolster cultural preservation, administrative functions, and socio-economic initiatives within kingdoms.

Speaking at Leosim Motel in Nebbi Municipality on Thursday  19 , June,  Minister Amongi engaged Alur Kingdom officials, led by Prime Minister Opar Lawrence Angala, Deputy Executive Director Vincent Orach, and traditional chiefs.

The Prime minister of Alur Kingdom Opar Lawrence Angala,  expressed gratitude for the government’s support, describing the engagement as fruitful.

She outlined a framework for effective fund utilization, proposing that UGX 15 million be allocated as a monthly salary for His Majesty Ubimu Philliph Rauni Ularker III, with the remaining UGX 45 million invested in three key pillars:

Cultural Foundation Development: Promoting the Alur language to preserve linguistic heritage and ensure its continuity for future generations.

Cultural Ceremonies: Organizing events to safeguard and celebrate Alur cultural practices, strengthening identity and pride.

Peace and Unity: Encouraging harmonious coexistence among subjects to curb criminality, leveraging the kingdom’s moral authority and widespread influence.

Deputy Prime minister Vincent Ocaya with other chiefs at the engagement.

President Museveni’s pledge of UGX 60 million monthly to gazetted cultural institutions underscores his administration’s recognition of their role in nation-building.

Amongi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting cultural institutions, revealing plans to rehabilitate and construct modern, well-furnished palaces across gazetted kingdoms.

She praised His Majesty Philliph Rauni III for fostering peace and aligning the kingdom’s efforts with government programs like the National Development Plan III (NDP III), which seeks to promote prosperity and economic independence.

“The Alur Kingdom’s role in poverty alleviation and unity is commendable. Continue championing peace and collaboration with other cultural institutions,” she urged.

In a significant gesture, the minister announced the donation of two vehicles from the government: a Range Rover for the king and another for his escort team. The vehicles shall be formally handed over to the kingdom later.

“These vehicles will ease His Majesty’s movements as he undertakes kingdom activities,” Amongi noted. 

 A Cultural and Developmental Powerhouse

Prime Minister Opar Lawrence Angala, representing His Majesty, welcomed the minister and shared insights into the Alur Kingdom’s rich history. As one of Uganda’s 17 gazetted cultural institutions, the kingdom spans 54 chiefdoms in Uganda and eight in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), serving a population of millions. Its cultural diversity and historical significance make it a vital institution in the region.

Opar highlighted the kingdom’s multifaceted contributions to development, including:
Cultural Preservation: Safeguarding Alur heritage through festivals, storytelling, and traditional practices.

Education Advocacy: Championing initiatives like girl-child education to reduce school dropouts, early marriages, and teenage pregnancies.

Health and Gender Equality: Conducting trainings to address gender-based violence (GBV) and sensitizing communities on health issues.

Speaking at Leosim Motel in Nebbi Municipality on Thursday  19 , June,  Minister Amongi engaged Alur Kingdom officials, led by Prime Minister Opar Lawrence Angala, Deputy Executive Director Vincent Orach, and traditional chiefs.

Economic Empowerment: Promoting modern agricultural practices and encouraging participation in government programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, Youth Livelihood Programme (YLP), and Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme (UWEP).

Climate Action: Implementing strategies to mitigate climate change impacts.

Cross-Border Peace: Facilitating dialogues with DRC officials to promote peaceful coexistence and regional security.

Opar expressed gratitude for the government’s support, describing the engagement as “fruitful” and assuring the minister that the kingdom would ensure effective use of the funds. “We are committed to supporting government programs and will relay this guidance to His Majesty,” he said.

Government and Kingdom Synergy:

Nebbi Resident District Commissioner Robert Abak described the Alur Kingdom as “a blessing to our area,” lauding its law-abiding nature and contributions to cross-border security.

“The kingdom’s officials engage directly with DRC counterparts, fostering peace and stability,” he noted.

The collaboration between the Alur Kingdom and the government exemplifies the potential of cultural institutions to amplify national development goals.

Minister of Labour, gender and social development Betty Amongi, posed for a photo with Alur Kingdom officials at Leosim Motel in Nebbi Municipality, on June 19, 2025. Photo/Mike Rwothomio

By leveraging their influence, kingdoms can mobilize communities for programs like PDM and Emyooga, promote education, and address social challenges such as GBV and climate change. 

The government’s support, including financial grants and infrastructure development, strengthens the kingdom’s capacity to deliver on these mandates.

The donation of vehicles to the Alur Kingdom further demonstrates this commitment, enabling cultural leaders to engage more effectively with their subjects. These efforts align with the government’s broader vision of harnessing cultural heritage to drive unity, peace, and socio-economic transformation.

As the Alur Kingdom continues to promote education, peace, and development, its partnership with the government serves as a blueprint for how cultural institutions can contribute to Uganda’s progress while preserving the rich tapestry of its traditions.

The Honorable Minister's journey to the kingdom comes after two momentous visits by His Royal Highness, Acholi Paramount Chief David Onen Acana II, and the Esteemed Chairperson of the Uganda Cultural Leaders Forum, Isabarongo Mwogezi.

Mike Rwothomio is new editor at zoomer Africa.