By Mike Rwothomio

His Majesty Ubimu Phillip Rauni Olarker III, the Alur King, has urged church leaders to champion peace, unity, and a renewed campaign against drug abuse and alcoholism among the Alur community.

The appeal was delivered on March 25 during the installation ceremony of the newly established Njura Parish in the Mahagi Catholic Diocese, Ituri Province, in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The King was represented by a high-level delegation that conveyed his message of solidarity with the Church and commitment to promoting harmony among Alur people on both sides of the Uganda-DRC border.

The delegation, acting on behalf of the Alur Kingdom’s Prime Minister (Jadipu) Rt. Hon. Prince Lawrence Opar Angala, included:

Hon. Omirambe Maractho (also referred to as Omirambe Marachtho), Minister for Ker Alur Affairs in the DRC

Mr. John Uluba, Chairman of the Atyak Royal Council

Mr. Kumakech Sam, Director for Youth Affairs, Prince Odubi Ismail, member of the Atyak Royal Council.

In the message, the Ubimu emphasized the importance of solidarity with the Church, fostering unity and peace across borders, prioritizing education, and launching concerted efforts to combat rampant drug and alcohol abuse, particularly among the youth.

The delegation expressed sincere appreciation to the Bishop of Mahagi Diocese, Rev. Fr. Christophe Alile , the newly installed parish leadership, and the dedicated Njura Catholic parishioners for their commitment to the work of God and their successful efforts in elevating the former sub-parish to full parish status.

This development is expected to serve the community more effectively.

The ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including former Ituri Governor Hon. Pacific, political leaders, security representatives, business community members, cultural institutions, and various religious leaders.

In a related development, the Alur Kingdom has recently partnered with the National Drug Authority to intensify the fight against substance abuse, which has negatively affected many young people, sometimes leading to mental health challenges.

The Kingdom reaffirmed its dedication to promoting moral values, community development, and peaceful coexistence.

The Alur Kingdom comprises 64 chiefdoms, with the majority in Uganda and several significant ones in the Democratic Republic of Congo , notably War-Palara, Anghal, Mukambu, Panduru, Jukoth, and Juganda located in Mahagi District, Ituri Province.

Since A large percentage of the Alur population resides in this north-eastern DRC region, the Kingdom notes that sigh event underscores ongoing cross-border cultural and spiritual collaboration aimed at building a more united, educated, and healthier Alur community through peaceful and constructive initiatives.

The Alur Kingdom delegation in DR Congo.

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