Alur, Bunyoro kings strengthen ties, urge devt, unity among subjects

The King of the Alur Kingdom, Ubimu Alarkar Philip Rauni III, paid a visit to his Bunyoro-Kitara counterpart,  Dr. Solomon Gafabusa Iguru I, on Friday to discuss strengthening ties between their two kingdoms, given their shared historical background.

Upon his arrival at the Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom's Rukurato Chambers, King Ubimu was warmly welcomed by Bunyoro's Prime Minister Andrew Byakutaga, kingdom officials, and members of the Alur community living in Bunyoro, who greeted him with excitement and jubilation.

The king proceeded to a private meeting with the prime minister, after which he addressed his subjects before heading to the palace for a meeting with King Gafabusa Iguru I.

Speaking to the media after the closed-door palace meeting, King Ubimu emphasised the long-standing relationship between the two kingdoms, describing the Bunyoro king as his "big brother."

"Shortly after I was enthroned, the first person I visited was the King of Bunyoro. I regard him as my elder brother, and given the hospitality my people from the Alur community have received here, I found it important to visit the Bunyoro kingdom leader once again," Ubimu said.

The Alur King urged his subjects living in Bunyoro to continue respecting the Omukama (Bunyoro King) and to use the peaceful environment in the region to improve their livelihoods.

"Bunyoro has been very hospitable to our people. My message to the Alur community is to maintain respect for the Omukama and to live harmoniously with the Banyoro. Take advantage of this conducive environment for development and transformation," he added.

Bunyoro Prime Minister Andrew Byakutaga highlighted the significance of King Ubimu's visit, stating it was a symbol of unity between the two kingdoms.

"The King of Alur’s visit is a testament to the strong relationship between our kingdoms. It is a positive sign, and as Bunyoro, we will continue to be welcoming because the kingdom cannot thrive by depending solely on Banyoro alone," Byakutaga said.

He also called on the Banyoro people to continue embracing the Alur community, noting that there had never been any issues between the two groups.

Vincent Opio  Alpha, Chairman of the Alur community in Bunyoro and Vice Chairperson of Kikuube District, expressed his joy at hosting King Ubimu.

He also requested that the Alur community be considered for positions within the Bunyoro Kingdom’s cabinet, citing their significant presence in the region.

"We are deeply grateful to King Gafabusa Iguru I and the Banyoro people. As Alur people, we have become part of Bunyoro, and we kindly request that the king consider us for positions in his cabinet. We constitute about 30% of Bunyoro's population, and we want to contribute to working together for the betterment of the kingdom," Opio said.

Plus Wakabi, the Member of Parliament for Bugahya constituency, which has one of the largest Alur populations in Hoima, commended the king for instilling discipline in his subjects.

"Given the discipline of the Alur community, if we only had Alur people here, I don't think we would even need the police. They are so well-behaved and live harmoniously with others. I must thank you, Your Majesty Ubimu, for raising such disciplined subjects. I know you have an upcoming anniversary, and I will offer a bull from my farm for the event," Wakabi said.

Evas Mungulyeke, the Female Workers Councillor for Kikuube District, expressed her delight at meeting King Ubimu for the first time.

"I was born and raised here, studied here, and married a Munyoro. I had never met my king until today, and I feel so honoured. Although I have found a new home in Bunyoro, we still cherish our roots in Nebbi," Mungulyeke said.

The meeting between the two kings is seen as a further strengthening of the relationship between the Alur and Banyoro communities, fostering unity and encouraging development within the region.