By Mike Rwothomio

Under the radiant theme “Advancing the Momentum,” the West Nile Diaspora Convention convened in Gaithersburg, Maryland, drawing sons and daughters of West Nile from across North America.

According to a Press release issued by Alur Kingdom's communication Director David Rupiny, the historic gathering, graced by a stirring address from His Royal Majesty (HRM) Ubimu Philip Olarker Rauni III, King of the Alur Kingdom, delivered through his Royal Envoy to North America and Canada, Amb. Patrick Oyulu, celebrated the region’s rich cultural heritage while charting a bold path for unity and progress.

A Royal Call to Unity

In his address, HRM Ubimu Rauni III, the Revered King in the hereditary line of the Alur Kingdom, invoked the timeless spirit of West Nile’s brotherhood, rooted in shared history and cultural vibrancy.

Reflecting on his own youth at Ombaci College, where bonds were forged among Alur, Lugbara, and Madi, the King emphasized that unity remains the cornerstone of West Nile’s strength.

“Our diversity is our power,” he declared, urging the diaspora to harness their collective identity as a force for transformation.

The Alur Kingdom, tracing its origins to the 9th century under King Ngur I in Aswan, Southern Egypt, and evolving through the Lwo-Atyak Kingdom to its present form in Uganda’s Zombo District, stands as a beacon of resilience.

With 58 chiefdoms in Uganda (over 1.3 million people) and 8 in the Democratic Republic of Congo (nearly 8 million), the Alur are a vital thread in West Nile’s diverse tapestry.

The King underscored that traditional-cultural institutions, far from being relics, are living centers of learning, creativity, and spiritual connection, originating from their founder, Nyipir (Gipir).

From Pride to Purpose

The convention’s sub-theme, “Our Community, Our Strength,” resonated deeply as the King called for action beyond nostalgia.

“This is not just a reunion; it is a launch pad,” he proclaimed, urging the diaspora to move “from remembrance to responsibility, from pride to purpose.” 

He outlined untapped opportunities in West Nile, including large-scale farming (coffee, cocoa, cassava), aquaculture, oil and gas, education, health infrastructure, tourism, and financial services.

“West Nile is not a place of limitation, it is a land of extraordinary promise,” he affirmed.

The King commended the organizers for their inclusive approach, particularly for integrating Ker Alur into the convention.

He highlighted his ongoing collaboration with cultural leaders like the Paramount Chief of Ker Kwaro Acholi, the Paramount Chief of Madi, the Agofe of Lugbara Kari, and Aringa leaders, reinforcing that “unity is strength.”

A Bridge Between Past and Future

Addressing the diaspora directly, HRM Ubimu Rauni III described them as a bridge connecting West Nile’s ancestral legacy to a future of innovation and progress. He urged them to organize as a collective, launch ventures, support schools, invest in hospitals, and build enterprises that uplift livelihoods.

“Speak as one voice. Act as one body,” he implored, emphasizing the power of numbers in driving impact.

The presence of distinguished guests, including The Most Reverend Dr. Henry Luke Orombi, Archbishop Emeritus of the Church of Uganda, added spiritual and cultural weight to the event.

Attendees were inspired to rekindle dreams, forge collaborations, and preserve the region’s heritage while embracing modern opportunities.

A Cultural Legacy in Motion

The West Nile Diaspora Convention was more than a gathering, it was a cultural reawakening.

As the King concluded, “Long live the people of West Nile. Long live our unity. Long live Uganda,” the audience rose in solidarity, ready to carry the momentum forward.

The event signaled a new chapter for West Nile’s global community, one rooted in tradition, fueled by unity, and driven by a shared vision for a prosperous homeland.

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at zoomer Africa your number one grassroot news.