Alur Kingdom enstools Thowarac Samuel Cimvor as chief of Acer Chiefdom

By Mike Rwothomio

The Alur Kingdom on Friday, 4 September 2026, enstooled Thowarac Samuel Cimvor IV as traditional chief of Acer Chiefdom in a colourful ceremony held at Kaal Lengi Acer in Ndhew Sub-County, Nebbi District.

Alur Kingdom Prime Minister (Jadipu) Prince Lawrence Opar Angala presided over the cultural rites on behalf of Kaal Atyak Winam, under the leadership of His Royal Majesty Ubimu Phillip Olarker Rauni III.

Speaking at the occasion, Jadipu Opar Angala emphasised the importance of unity. He urged the youth to support the Acer Chiefdom and the entire Alur Kingdom, and called on all subjects to embrace government programs aimed at social and economic transformation.

“Today, we have placed you upon the throne, a throne that rightfully belongs to the Acer people. Work as one cohesive body, promote government programs, and preach unity” Jadipu Opar said.

He added “To the youth, ensure that you fully support your new leadership”

The enstoolment formally ends a long-standing leadership dispute in Acer Chiefdom. The contest between chief-elect Thowarac Samuel Cimvor and Prince Odongo Morris, both of Acer Owilo, had pitted Acer Owilo against Acer Omoyo. It was conclusively settled in 2025 by the Ker Alur Council of Chiefs through the Alur Traditional Justice System in favour of Thowarac.

The Ndhew Sub-County female councilor commended the Alur Kingdom for successfully resolving this leadership conflict.

Meanwhile Assistant RDC of Nebbi Donald Owacgiu urged Chief Cimvor to unite all subjects, including his critics, for progress.

“Now that you are there, rule wisely and bring those who oppose you closer, all for the sake of uniting your subjects” Kasamba said.

Acer Chiefdom unites the distinct Kwai Acer pa Malanga clans, namely Acer (Kwai Odero), Palyech (Kwai Lyech), Padolo (Kwai Kalanja), Pagwinya (Kwai Gwinya), Payera (Kwai Olwiny), Pangere (Kwai Oyiro), and Pacaka.

Each sub-clan is headed by a Jago who pledges allegiance to the Chief of Acer Chiefdom, who in turn pledges allegiance to the Alur Kingdom.

The ceremony drew Kwai Acer clan members, the Ker Alur Council of Chiefs, and political and religious leaders from both Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

It enables Acer Chiefdom’s official registration as a member of the Ker Alur Council of Chiefs and allows clan members to formally recognise the new leadership while reaffirming their commitment to collective development.

Minister of Culture Ovoya John, who earlier delivered the invitation letter dated 19 August 2026 to the Ubimu at Kaal Atyak Winam in Zombo District, said the occasion positions the chiefdom to plan strategically and harness its human and natural resources for the benefit of members.

The resolution forms part of the Alur Kingdom’s ongoing efforts under Ubimu Phillip Olarker Rauni III to streamline its network of cultural institutions and chiefdoms through traditional mediation and the Council of Chiefs.

Recent examples include the resolution of a 20-year rift among the 13 sub-clans of Palei, a decade-long succession dispute in Abira Chiefdom, leadership tensions in Omua Jupa Kago chiefdom in Kango Sub-county, the Alur D’juganda chiefdom in D’jalasiga, Mahagi territory in Ituri Province, Eastern DRC, as well as the Arikpa and Padupa chiefdoms in Zombo District.

According to Jadipu Opar, these steps strengthen the institutional framework, promote peaceful coexistence, and ensure chiefdoms operate under recognised leadership within the broader Ker Alur structure.

The Alur Kingdom is the traditional cultural institution of the Alur people, a Western Nilotic Luo community whose territory spans parts of northwestern Uganda (Nebbi, Zombo and Pakwach districts) and northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly Mahagi in Ituri Province.

Descended from Luo migrations under the ancestral figure of Nyipir, the Alur developed a segmentary system of chiefdoms under the Ubimu, who holds the Leb Tong (royal spear tip). 

The kingdom comprises 64 chiefdoms, 56 in Uganda and eight in the DRC.

Newly installed Rwoth of Acer chiefdom Thowarac Samuel Cimvor 1V (seated left) and Ker Jadipu Prince Lawrence Opar Angala with Nebbi District Assistant RDC Owachgiu Donald (centre) and other government officials who attended the enstoolment ceremony.

Newly installed chief Thowarac Samwel Cimvor IV.

The Royal blessing ritual being performed by Jadipu of Ker Alur Prince Lawrence Opar Angala (on behalf of Ubimu Phillip Olarker Rauni III) and team on the Rwoth of Acer Chiefdom Thowarac and his Jadipu Odongo with their spouses.

Jadipu Prince Lawrence Opar Angala (centre) in photo with Rwoth Thowarac (2nd left) and Jadipu Odongo Roy with their spouses.

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