On Friday, King Phillip Olarker Ubimu Rauni III of the Alur Kingdom, accompanied by his cabinet members, visited the Omukama of Bunyoro, Solomon Gafabusa Iguru, at his Karuziika Palace in Hoima City.
On its X handle (formerly Twitter), the Alur Kingdom highlighted their historical connection to Bunyoro, noting that the Alur trace their origins back to Bunyoro.
The visit was described as a return to their ancestral roots to seek guidance from their historical “grandfather.”
Andrew Kirungi Byakutaga, initially met with King Rauni before the visit to the Omukama in a closed-door meeting inside the palace.
According to sources who attended the closed-door meeting, the two sister kingdoms share a common heritage dating back to the 16th century, during the Luo migration.
The meeting underscored the historical separation of Rukidi, the founder of the Babiito dynasty in Bunyoro, from his brother Kyebambe, which established the Babiito dynasty in Bunyoro.
Rauni emphasised that, due to their shared history, the Luo people regard Bunyoro as a second home.
He noted that this historical bond explains why many Alur, Acholi, and Lango people have found peace and harmony living in Bunyoro.
Accompanied by his Prime Minister, Prince Lawrence Angala Opar, Juliet Umika Oromcan, his minister of tourism and hospitality and a delegation of clan leaders, King Rauni presented the Omukama with a gift of a spear tip from Nyipir, the founder of the Alur dynasty.
The king also donated other gifts, including a bull, traditional art, baskets, pots, and table plates, as a token of appreciation for the hospitality extended by the Omukama and the Banyoro people.
Rauni expressed satisfaction with the cooperation between Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom and Alur Kingdom in advancing political discourse and socio-economic development.
He later hosted a luncheon for Alur people residing in Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom at De Place Hotel, just a short distance from the palace. The event featured performances by Banyoro and Alur troupes.
During his visit, Rauni urged the Alur community in Bunyoro-Kitara to respect the Omukama’s authority and remain loyal, while preserving cultural norms and traditions.
He cautioned against tribalism and encouraged unity with the Banyoro and other nationalities for mutual development.
Pius Wakabi Rujumba, the Bugahya County Member of Parliament, called on the government to secure land tenure for the Alur people, who face threats of land grabs.
He highlighted the contributions of Alur, Acholi, and Lango immigrants, who make up 40% of the local population and have played a significant role in the socio-economic development of the area.
Rujumba stressed for the need for continued cooperation between the two institutions to foster development.
