By Mike Rwothomio

The Alur Kingdom has called on local governments, religious institutions, civil society organisations (CSOs), and other development partners to actively support community mobilisation and sensitisation efforts aimed at promoting the Government’s agro-based socio-economic transformation programmes.

The Kingdom is also pushing for collective action in key areas including health improvement, education enhancement, environmental protection, and effective management of customary land disputes.

The call was made by the Kingdom’s Prime Minister (Jadipu), Prince Lawrence Opar Angala, who represented the Alur Kingdom at a fundraising event for Vee Anglican Church of Nebbi Diocese in Atyak Sub-county, Zombo District, on 22nd March 2026.

The event, organised by parishioners, sought to construct a permanent house for Catechist Fred Uyirwoth, who currently resides in a grass-thatched hut.

Prince Opar emphasised that cultural institutions like the Alur Kingdom have a critical role to play in driving mindset change and community engagement to support national development priorities.

This mobilisation effort comes amid pressing socio-economic challenges in the region, including rising poverty levels, resurgence of HIV/AIDS cases, increasing drug and substance abuse, rampant destruction of tree cover and wetlands, widespread land wrangles, and declining academic performance.

“Combined multi-sectoral mindset change interventions by all stakeholders through direct community engagements are viable options to reverse these negative trends and foster social progress and development,” said Prince Opar Angala.

He noted that these challenges are largely exacerbated by factors such as general laziness, ignorance, and lack of exposure among the population, despite the Kingdom’s abundant natural resources, reliable weather patterns, and fertile arable soils.

In Zombo District, where the multi-dimensional poverty rate stands at 44 percent according to the latest Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) report, local officials have raised concerns over high youth idleness and illiteracy levels.

Recent reports from organisations such as Life Concern indicate that about 65% of youths in the district are unable to read and write, significantly above the national average.

Samuel Ocaki, Community Development Officer for Zombo District, while recently addressing an Alur Kingdom gathering at the Zombo District Farmers Association (ZODFA) offices in Zombo Town Council, highlighted the problem of idle youths who spend time sitting by roadsides without engaging in productive activities.

Ocaki urged a shift in mindset, pointing out that the area is blessed with fertile land and benefits from various government programmes such as the Youth Livelihood Programme (YLP), Emyooga, and the Parish Development Model (PDM), which can help lift communities out of poverty and promote self-reliance.

To actualise this vision in line with the development objectives of Rwoth Ubimu Phillip Olarker Rauni III, the Alur Kingdom has strengthened partnerships with various government ministries and agencies.

These include:Collaboration with Zombo District and the Ministry of Health/Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) on HIV/AIDS prevention and control;

Partnership with the National Drug Authority (NDA) to combat drug and substance abuse;

Work with the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) on environmental conservation and wetland protection;

Engagement with the Judiciary on peace-building and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) for customary land disputes;

Collaboration with the Uganda Development Corporation (UDC) on the tea factory project;

Annual Comprehensive Eye Care Camps supported by Lions Club International Foundation since 2024.

According to Prime Minister Opar, Alur Kingdom’s leadership has positioned cultural institutions as vital partners in government-led socio-economic transformation, leveraging their influence to mobilise communities and promote positive behavioural change for sustainable development.

Alur Kingdom Prime Minister Prince Lawrence Opar Angala posed for a photo with believers after he fund raising event.

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