By Mike Rwothomio

The Alur Kingdom has initiated a significant cultural peacebuilding effort aimed at strengthening peaceful coexistence, resolving minor cross-border disputes, and promoting collaborative development among its communities across Uganda-Democratic Republic of Congo.

The initiative was formally advanced during constructive high-level dialogue held at Kingston Guest House in Yamo Trading Centre, Zombo district last week.

The meeting brought together the Kingdom’s Prime Minister, Prince Lawrence Opar Angala, and a high-powered delegation from the Alur Djuganda Chiefdom in the DRC, led by Chief Defalaise Okia Songa II.Other key participants included Rwoth Wanok Owenja Joseph of Aringu Chiefdom, Rwoth Oyaki Jalukungu of Warr-Offaka Chiefdom, and members of the Atyak Royal Council led by Vice Chairman Bosco Opoti.

Following closed-door discussions focused on peace plans, dialogue strategies, and joint problem-solving, the DRC delegation formally handed over a comprehensive document to the Kingdom outlining practical pathways for chiefdoms and governments to collaboratively address cross-border challenges and advance harmonious relations.

The talks also emphasized education empowerment aligned with the respective national policies of Uganda and the DRC, alongside broader matters of mutual interest.

Particular attention was given to strengthening peaceful coexistence between Alur communities and neighboring tribes such as the Lendu and Okebu, who also inhabit both sides of the border.

Chief Defalaise Okia Songa II commended Prime Minister Angala for his consistent leadership in championing dialogue and mediation. He expressed optimism that coordinated efforts involving the Alur Kingdom, the Government of Uganda, and the DRC would elevate trade, reconciliation, and inter-communal harmony, especially around key border points such as the busy Malaba market in Alangi sub-county.

“We share deep ancestral ties,” Chief Okia noted, highlighting the potential for enhanced cooperation in promoting trade and peaceful coexistence among the people of Juganda and neighboring tribes.

The Ker Alur Prime Minister (Jadipu) Prince Lawrence Opar Angala (right) poses for photo with Rwoth Defalaise Okia Songa lll (centre)of Alur D'juganda from the DRC and Rwoth Oyaki Jalukungu Rashid (left) of Warr-Offaka chiefdom and Coordinator of Ker Alur Affairs with Alur D'juganda after the meeting.

Alur Kingdom Prime Minister Prince Opar Angala, reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to "culturally mediated solutions and conflict transformation".

He announced that the Alur Royal Council will continue documenting community grievances, compiling reports, and submitting them to both governments for formal implementation and follow-up action.

The Alur people, a Nilotic ethnic group sharing language, traditions, and heritage as part of the broader Luo peoples, were divided by colonial boundaries. The Kingdom today encompasses 64 chiefdoms, 56 in Uganda, primarily in Zombo, Nebbi, and Pakwach districts, and 8 in the DRC, mainly in Mahagi Territory, Ituri Province , making it a distinctive transnational traditional institution.

This latest peace initiative builds upon earlier governmental and cultural efforts, including bilateral engagements in Nebbi District and Mahagi Territory, as well as His Majesty Ubimu Phillip Rauni Olarker III’s calls for collaborative peacebuilding during last year’s coronation anniversary celebrations.

It also aligns with a recent high-level cross-border dialogue in Paidha Town Council, Zombo District, convened by the Office of the President of Uganda through Zombo Resident District Commissioner Festus Ayikobua.

That meeting featured senior participation from both countries’ political, cultural, and security officials, including Mahagi Territorial Administrator Col. Jacques Lalua Disanoa and several DRC traditional leaders.

RDC Zombo Ayikobua urged cultural institutions to take a central role in peacebuilding, while Col. Disanoa emphasized shared identity: “Mahagi and Zombo share values started by our ancestors... You're all Alur people.”

The parties adopted practical resolutions focusing on enhanced bilateral communication, joint community reconciliation processes, on-site assessments, and strengthened border security cooperation.

Prince Opar praised both governments for their sustained engagement and reaffirmed the Alur Kingdom’s dedication to advancing reconciliation and sustainable peace among communities united by shared ethnicity, language, culture, and history.

The Prime Minister (Jadipu), Prince Lawrence Opar Angala (seated right, holding a fly-whisk), poses for a group photo with the visiting delegation from the Alur Djuganda Chiefdom in the DRC, led by Chief Defalaise Okia Songa II (seated to Jadipu’s right in a white shirt), alongside Rwoth Wanok Owenja Joseph (seated second left) of Aringu Chiefdom, Rwoth Oyaki Jalukungu (seated centre in a black Kaunda suit) of Warr-Offaka Chiefdom, and members of the Atyak Royal Council headed by Vice Chairman Bosco Opoti (standing third left in a green shirt), following a meeting held at Kingston Guest House in Yamo Trading Centre.

Mike Rwothomio is the News Editor at Zoomer Africa, your trusted grassroots information hub for African stories, voices, and updates.