By Mike Rwothomio

The red carpet was finally rolled out on Saturday, June 13th, for the long-awaited dream wedding as veteran politician and Alur Kingdom Minister of Lands, Hon. John Pascal Wapokurwa, walked down the aisle with his beloved wife Monica at the historic Our Lady of Assumption Oturgang Catholic Church in Paidha Town Council.

The grand Holy Matrimony delivered profound spiritual, emotional, and practical blessings to the couple, with Alur Kingdom delegation led by Prime Minister ( Jadipu) Prince Lawrence Opar Angala joining other believers who turned up in massive numbers to witness history in the making, as the veteran leader inked his name into the golden books of wedded bliss.

A powerful, soul-stirring rendition of the hymn Gloria by the talented St. Francis Choir of Asisi, clad in their iconic green and deep brown uniforms, filled the air with moving melodies, creating the perfect uplifting atmosphere for the joyous occasion presided over by veteran Rev. Father Valente.

The colourful and historic celebration began with Holy Mass at Oturgang Catholic Church, observed under heightened Ebola Standard Operating Procedures enforced by dedicated health teams from Paidha Health Centre III.

A high-profile guest list turned up for the milestone event, including a powerful Alur Kingdom delegation led by Kingdom Prime Minister Prince Lawrence Opar Angala, RDC Zombo Festus Ayikobua, LCV Nebbi Gorge Othuba, LCV Zombo, numerous Zombo district officials, and scores of other guests eager to be part of the historic moment.

For the Alur Kingdom, the wedding perfectly aligns with its cherished “Kura Matira” (good cultural morals) campaign, which His Majesty Ubimu Phillip Rauni Olarker III has consistently championed, stressing that strong, transformative families are built on solid marital foundations.

The church reader delivered a powerful message from the Book of Genesis, recounting how the Lord put Adam into a deep slumber, removed one of his ribs to create his beautiful wife Eve, whom Adam would later call his love forever.

As the clock struck a quarter to midday, Hon. Wapokurwa, a renowned author on the revered history of Paidha, stepped onto the altar alongside his best man, sharply dressed in a razor-sharp grey court suit. 

He exchanged heartfelt vows of “YES I DO” with his bride Monica, who dazzled in a golden spotless white wedding gown, accompanied by three adorable little flower girls. 

Rev. Father Valente guided the couple through their solemn, forever-together commitment before hundreds of congregants.

The exchange of vows, accompanied by the choir’s melodious, soul-moving hymns, provided the perfect icing on the cake, punctuated by ululations, thunderous applause, and waves of pure joy.

In his homily, Rev. Father Valente underscored the sacredness of Holy Matrimony, urging Christians: “Let Holy Matrimony be the foundation of our family.”

He emphasized God’s presence in marriage, the importance of choosing the right partner, forgiveness, respect, and living a God-desired life.

The wedding of Hon. Wapokurwa , a highly esteemed member of the Greater Nebbi Elders Council, former LCV Chairperson of Nebbi, current Zombo District Service Commission Chairperson, and former Okoro Coffee Growers Cooperative Union Chairperson, was hailed by Alur Kingdom Prime Minister Prince Lawrence Opar Angala as “setting a good example for other people.

Alur Kingdom communication 

Prince Lawrence Opar Angala urged Alur subjects to emulate the couple, stating that “men should treat women with the respect they deserve and women should equally respect their husbands,” warning that failure to do so leads to many marriage breakups.

“We as the Kingdom continue to urge couples to protect the institution of marriage,” Jadipu Opar declared, expressing the Alur Kingdom’s profound joy in the union of Hon. Wapokurwa, one of their key figures and Minister of Lands and Production.

Prime Minister Opar Angala also highlighted to the guests the pivotal role Hon. Wapokra John played in the unification of many chiefdoms into the Alur Kingdom under the leadership of Ubimu Phillip Olarker Rauni III. While serving as LC5 Chairman of the then Nebbi District, he firmly refused to cooperate with chiefs who sought to divide the population.

Relatedly, the Speaker of the Royal Council of Chiefs, Rwoth Jepthar Orom Keronega, praised Hon. Minister Wapokra and his wife for formalizing their long-standing marriage in church. He said the act was in line with the Alur Kura Matira tradition, which is founded on respect, love, and a strong family foundation, urging other Alur couples to emulate them.

Members of the Greater Nebbi Elders Council, to which Hon. Wapokurwa belongs, turned out in strong numbers to show solidarity and witness this remarkable chapter in the life of their own.

Hon. Wapokurwa, as an elder, now joins the distinguished list of those who have entered the holy covenant of matrimony, as instituted in the Book of Genesis, where God created the union of one man and one woman as the first human relationship.It is viewed not merely as a legal contract but as a sacred, lifelong covenant designed by God.

The electric reception that followed at the Oturgang Boys Primary School playground drew hundreds of revellers from all walks of life, all eager to celebrate the historic occasion.

Keeping the energy high and the vibes fun, Grand Master of Ceremonies Robert Orombi, delivered his signature comical yet captivating jokes and style, leaving guests in stitches throughout the day.

One of the most memorable highlights came when MC Orombi invited gospel artist from Paidha Town, Francis alias Avogo, who performed his popular comical song Lak wa karara, sending the crowd into uncontrollable laughter.

The mood was then redeemed by a sizzling dancehall piece from talented upcoming gospel singer Godi Johnson.

The unforgettable day was crowned with powerful Afro-Alur gospel anthems spun by the event’s DJ, as hundreds came forward to present gifts to the newlyweds.

Hon. Wapokurwa and Monica stood side by side, gracefully receiving heartfelt greetings from friends, relatives, and in-laws who stopped by to share special moments.

Now united as one before God and humanity, Hon. Wapokurwa and his dear wife Monica are called to uphold the foundational passage for marriage in Genesis 2:18-24. After creating Adam, God declared, “It is not good that man should be alone,” and created Eve as a suitable helper. Upon presenting her to Adam, the principle was established.

The wedding concluded with the biblical endorsement that “a man called Hon. Wapokurwa, the son of Paidha, has left his father and his mother and held the hand of his wife Monica, and they have become one flesh,” as stated in Genesis 2:24.Rev. 

Father Valente delivered the final blessing: “What the Lord has brought together, let no one separate till death do them apart.”

The Alur Kingdom delegation at Hon John Wapokra's wedding ceremony.

From Right to Left: Rwoth Justine Opar Angia of Pawong Chiefdom; Hon Opio Okech Bob, Minister of Culture and Legal Affairs; Rwoth Emmanuel Kermit Angia of Paidha-Omua; Prince Lawrence Opar Angala, Prime Minister (Jadipu); Mrs Lalita Monica Grace, the Bride and Hon John Wapokra, the Groom; Hon Juliet Umika Oromcan, Minister of Tourism & Hospitality; Rwoth Jepthar Orom Keronega, Speaker of Council of Chiefs; an unidentified guest and Mr Kumakech Sam (extreme left).

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at Zoomer Africa your number one grassroot information hub for Africa news stories and updates