By Mike Rwothomio

A delegation from the Baha'i Faith's External Affairs committee met with representatives of the Alur Kingdom at the Kingdom's Secretariat in Nebbi last week, to explore potential collaboration on social development programs, with a strong emphasis on strengthening the family as the foundation of society.

According to a press release issued by Alur Kingdom's Communication Director David Rupiny, the meeting, chaired by Hon. Bob Opio Okech, Minister for Culture & Legal Affairs, standing in for the Kingdom Prime Minister, took place following a formal request from the Baha'i National Spiritual Assembly's External Affairs team dated January 20, 2026.

The Baha'i delegation, including collaborators from Nebbi and contact person George Olinga (Convener) based in Kampala, introduced the international Baha'i Faith, founded by Bahá’u’lláh in the Middle East. 

They highlighted their organization's focus on unity, social progress, and working with diverse stakeholders to promote family values, gender equity, and community welfare.

The Baha'i Faith has been present in Uganda since 1951, with its national headquarters in Kampala at Kikaya Hill.

Ker Alur officials, led by Mr. Ronnie Robert Rupiny, Head of Programs, welcomed the visitors and provided an overview of the Kingdom's structure and activities, which amongst others includes governance under Rwoth Ubimu (King), Jadipu (Prime Minister), the Executive Committee, Council of Chiefs, Cabinet, and Secretariat. 

Key initiatives showcased included support for women and girls, children's welfare, cultural preservation, poverty alleviation, livestock projects, tea industry promotion, environmental efforts, population management, and leadership development.

The discussions centered on three main objectives:Consulting on ways to collaborate in mainstreaming the family as the basic unit of society.

Exploring how culture and faith can jointly empower families.

Benchmarking Ker Alur's programs, particularly those advancing women's and girls' welfare.

Both sides expressed mutual interest in partnership.

The Baha'i representatives commended Ker Alur's work and noted the Kingdom's strong reputation in West Nile as a reliable partner for such initiatives, the first traditional institution they have approached in the region for collaboration.

Key Resolutions and Next Steps:The Baha'i team will draft a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for review by Ker Alur, similar to the Kingdom's Charter and Strategic Plan 2030 and prepare a program concept note to guide future joint projects.

Ker Alur agreed to share key operational documents and positive cultural resources, including input from experienced chiefs and technical staff.

The visiting team handed over three booklets on culture, gender, and poverty themes for Ker Alur's review.

Both parties committed to convening a follow-up meeting in 1–2 months at Ker Alur to discuss the MoU, concept note, and work plans.

The Head of Programs will prepare and distribute official minutes to all attendees.

The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both sides viewing the engagement as a promising step toward interfaith and cultural cooperation for social advancement in West Nile and beyond.

Officials from Alur Kingdom and Bahá'í Faith's National Spiritual Assembly External Affairs committee posed for a photo at the Kingdom's secretariat in Nebbi Municipality after the engagement.

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