By Mike Rwothomio

The Alur Kingdom is in deep sorrow following the passing of a respected elder, Uthuma Awothu Jalkunga, the Jadipu (Prime Minister) of Alur-Djuganda Chiefdom and royal coordinator between the chiefdom and the Ker Alur.

His Majesty Rwoth Ubimu Philliph Rauni Ularker III, the revered King of the Alur Kingdom, which stretches across 56 chiefdoms in Uganda and 8 in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has expressed profound grief over the demise of the Jadipu.

In an official statement, the Ubimu commended Rwoth Okia Defeles Jalkwiyu Songa II, the Chief of Alur-Djuganda Chiefdom, for promptly informing the Ker Alur of the sad news.

The King described the loss as “not only painful but also a big blow to the Alur Kingdom,” noting that the passing occurred shortly after he had dispatched a royal team to enthrone the new Rwoth of Djuganda.

Alur-Djuganda is one of the eight major chiefdoms in the DR Congo that owe allegiance to the Spearhead (Tip) of the Luo Dynasty, Rwoth Ubimu of Ker Alur.

The Ubimu has delegated a high-powered royal delegation led by Rwoth Rashid Oyaki Jalukungu, Chief of Warr-Offaka Chiefdom, to represent the Kingdom at the burial.

On Wednesday, 8th April 2026, the Jadipu of the Alur Kingdom, Prince Lawrence Opar Angala, flagged off the Kàal Atyak Royal Council delegation for the cross-border burial ceremony scheduled for Friday, 10th April 2026 at Djalasiga Palace in Mahagi Territory (Territoire du Mahagi), Ituri Province, Democratic Republic of Congo.

The delegation will convey the Ubimu’s personal condolence message to the bereaved family and the people of Djuganda.

“He still had a lot to offer to the chiefdom in terms of leadership and good counsel. It is God’s wish,” the King said.

The Ubimu further consoled the grieving chiefdom, saying: “During this time of loss, please know that you are not alone. The entire Alur Kingdom commiserates with you. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all.”

 He called on Rubanga Nyakacwiya (the Almighty God) to grant comfort and strength to the family of the late Jadipu and the entire Djuganda Chiefdom.

Historical and Cultural Context

The Alur-Juganda and Anghal chiefdoms in Congo are direct descendants of Thiful, the younger brother of Nyipir, the revered founder of the Alur people. This blood tie is why both chiefdoms, like all others, pledge unwavering allegiance to Rwoth Ubimu as the Tip of the Alur/ Luo Dynasty.

The Ubimu stressed that Alur in Congo and Uganda remain one indivisible people. “We are basically a borderless nation,” he said, urging all Alur sons and daughters to reject anything or anyone that seeks to divide them and instead foster unbreakable cross-border unity.

“United, we are a formidable force for development and progress.” Ubimu shared.

The King urged Alur people in Congo and Uganda to unite as one borderless nation and prioritize key pillars of progress: education, health, commercial agriculture, business, skilling, and cultural preservation.

He called for ending vices like alcohol abuse and drug use, protecting peace and the environment, embracing productive farming with cash crops, guarding land wisely, and strengthening the Alur Kingdom for collective development.

The King concluded by bestowing royal blessings upon all Alur people and offered a solemn prayer: “Let Rubanga Nyakacwiya receive Jadit Uthuma Awothu Jalkunga in His embrace and grant protection to his family and the entire people of Alur-Djuganda and the Alur Kingdom.”

The burial of the late Jadipu Uthuma Awothu Jalkunga will take place on Friday at Djalasiga Palace, bringing together Alur leaders from both sides of the border in a powerful display of cultural unity and shared heritage.

On Wednesday, 8th April 2026, the Prime Minister (Jadipu) of Alur Kingdom, Prince Lawrence Opar Angala (centre, wearing black hat), flagged off the Kàal Atyak Royal Council delegation to the cross-border burial of Djadipu Uthuma Awothu Jalkunga of Alur-Djuganda Chiefdom.The high-powered royal delegation, led by Rwoth Oyaki Rashid Jalukungu of Warr-Offaka (in black T-shirt), will deliver a condolence message from His Royal Majesty Phillip Olarker Rauni III (Rwoth Ubimu of Ker Alur) to Rwoth Okia Defeles Jalkwiyu Songa II at his royal palace in Djalasiga Ville, Mahagi Territory, Ituri Province, Democratic Republic of Congo, on Friday, 10th April 2026.

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