By Mike Rwothomio

His Royal Majesty Philip Olarker Rauni III, the King of Alur, has underscored unity among all Alur people as the cornerstone for sustainable development, socio-economic transformation, and long-term empowerment of the community.

In an official communication released by David Rupiny, Director of Communications and Spokesperson of the Alur Kingdom, King Rauni III made the remarks during an engagement with executive members of the Alur Professional Women Association Network (APWAN) at Gorilla Africa Guest House in Entebbe on June 11.

The APWAN executives, led by Dr Jane Acan, presented a strategic proposal titled “Integration and Awareness Initiative 2026.” The programme aims to foster collaboration among Alur professionals and communities in Greater Nebbi and the suburbs of Kampala.

Dr Acan highlighted that the initiative seeks to promote professionalism, mentorship, education, and leadership development among women and girls through targeted engagements.

In his address, King Rauni III noted that the Alur Kingdom, historically focused on the promotion of culture and tradition, is now evolving into a strategic development vehicle that leverages the positive aspects of its cultural heritage.

The King emphasized that he, and  Alur Kingdom, "will support whole-heartedly groups of people, like APWAN, who champion the development of the Alur society," .

King Rauni III acknowledged prevailing misconceptions about the Alur community while affirming its latent strength. 

“While there seems to be a misconception that the Alur, ‘are small people and can be played with’, the reality is that the Alur are only quiet and polite people but quite strong in number, strength, and the ability to chart their development path,” he stated.

The King stressed that a united Alur community would be unstoppable in driving its own development agenda. He urged Alur people in Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and across the globe to unite, support one another, and uphold the age-old principle of “Kura Matira.”, adding that " Alur kingdom stands for unity and oneness without any discrimination,”.

Ubimu Rauni III encouraged the harnessing of Alur’s rich cultural heritage to develop and commercialize traditional products and services in food, art, crafts, and creative industries, noting that the community possesses sufficient internal market strength to scale such innovations.

The King appealed to APWAN and other Alur groups to promote consistent messaging on key development priorities, including unity, togetherness, education, girl-child and women empowerment, environmental protection, investments back home, and business support through  initiative he coined as BABA , Buy Alur, Build Alur.

He expressed deep appreciation for the pivotal role women have played in Alur society since time immemorial and voiced strong confidence in APWAN’s mission.

“Not only does  the Ubimu of Alur, supports the APWAN vision and is proud of it but will ensure that Alur Kingdom collaborate with the association to realise the vision for the betterment of Alur society,” the communication stated.

King Rauni III called on APWAN to establish elaborate structures targeting Alur girls and women across the world.

Related Article: Alur King Acholi Paramount Chief ignite call for profound Unity, and Luo history

To support implementation, the King pledged five million shillings for APWAN’s community engagements and another five million shillings for the maiden APWAN Dinner scheduled for November 2026 at The Sheraton in Kampala.

His Majesty Ubimu Phillip Rauni Olarker III (centre, dressed in black) poses for a group photograph with Alur Kingdom officials and representatives of APWAN following the engagement meeting.

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at Zoomer Africa, your number one grassroot infomation hub for African news, Stories and Updates.

• Do you have stories in your area? Whatsapp them to +256774294930 our team will publish them for free

Support Our Publication Donate Now +256772097071