Acholi and Alur chiefs renew ties

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To strengthen their cultural heritages, the Acholi and Alur cultural leaders have united to present a cohesive voice, drawing upon the legacy of their ancestors, Gipir and Labongo.

This new initiative aimed at promoting peace, reconciliation, and development was announced on Friday during a historic inter-chiefdom meeting. During this meeting, Acholi Paramount Chief Rwot David Onen Acana II and his delegation engaged with his counterpart, Rwoth Philip Ubimo Olarker Rauni III of the Alur.

"The Acholi and Alur people share a common ancestry, as they both descend from the same ancestor, Labongo and Gipir, who were brothers born from the same mother. Therefore, this visit is very significant and historic," stated Rwoth Ubimo.

To strengthen their cultural heritages, the Acholi and Alur cultural leaders have united to present a cohesive voice, drawing upon the legacy of their ancestors, Gipir and Labongo. (Photo by Dennis Ojwee)

The cultural engagement took place at Ker-Kwaro Alur located at Wii-nam village, Ogusi Parish, Atyak sub-county in Zombo district.

Rwoth Ubimo in his rousing welcome remarks stated that the visit was historical as the Acholi and Alur chiefdoms renewed their relationship and revamped their inter-cultural heritages.

The Acholi dialect is a Western Nilotic language classified as part of the Luo group, which also includes Alur, Padhola, Kuman, and the Luo people in Kenya. Both the Acholi and Alur, along with other Luo ethnic groups, originated in South Sudan and migrated to Uganda between 1400 and 1800 CE. 

"We should unite, move, and work together starting today. We should petition the government for the betterment and development of our people: the Acholi, Alur, and all Luo-speaking tribes, not only in Uganda but also in South Sudan, Kenya, Ethiopia, and even Tanzania. The Luo community is vast, and if we come together, our land will thrive," Rwoth Ubimo stated.

When he set foot in the Alur chiefdom, Rwot Acana said his dream had come true.

“The rain showers are a real sign of peace, love and prosperity for the people of Alur and Acholi, which is a true sign of anointing of the two chiefdoms of Alur and Acholi. In the Luo culture, when you receive rain before any function or meeting, it is a real sign and gesture of peace and development. So, the people of Alur and Acholi have been blessed today through this historic inter-cultural courtesy visit”, said Acana.

Rwot Acana and his delegation included Deputy Prime Minister Martin Okumu, Information Minister Geoffrey Okello Okuna, and Cultural Minister Stella Kijange, among others.