By Mike Rwothomio

The Jadipu of Alur Djuganda chiefdom under the Alur Kingdom, Uthuma Awothu Jalkunga, has been laid to rest amidst a somber mood, spirit of reflection about his legacy and above all a powerful call for unity and cultural collaboration.

The burial of the late Jadipu Uthuma Awothu Jalkunga took place on Friday April 10, 2026 at Djalasiga Palace, in Mahagi Territory, Ituri Province in the Eastern DR Congo, bringing together Alur leaders from both sides of the border in a powerful display of cultural unity and shared heritage.

The Jadipu, who breathed his last early this week, was a respected elder and royal coordinator with 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.

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

In a speech read by Alur Kingdom's delegation, the King of Alur 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.

“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 ContextThe 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 Alur Kingdom Delegation

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