The Alur Kingdom has officially set October 31, 2025, as the date for the grand celebration of the 15th Coronation Anniversary of His Majesty Ubimu Phillip Rauni Olarker III, with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni expected to attend as the Chief Guest.
The announcement was made on Saturday, October 4, 2025, during a colorful ceremony held at Daudi Courts in Paidha Town Council, Zombo District.
The event marked the official inauguration of the Central Organizing Committee that will oversee preparations for what is expected to be one of the Kingdom’s biggest cultural celebrations in recent years.
This year’s coronation anniversary will be hosted by Kal Omua Chiefdom at the former Paidha Primary Teachers College playgrounds, under the theme “My Culture for Wealth Creation.”
The chosen theme reflects the Kingdom’s renewed commitment to using culture as a vehicle for economic transformation, unity, and empowerment among the Alur people both in Uganda and in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Dr. Amos Nyathirombu, the Alur Kingdom’s Minister of Health and the Chairperson of the Central Organizing Committee, presided over the launch ceremony and underscored the event’s central message of development through cultural identity.
He said the anniversary would not only celebrate His Majesty’s 15-year reign but also inspire communities to embrace wealth creation as a shared responsibility.
“The Alur Kingdom has already pledged resources, and several corporate entities have begun contributing to this noble cause,” Dr. Nyathirombu revealed.
He called upon all Alur subjects—both at home and in the diaspora—to rally behind the initiative, emphasizing that collective effort would make the event a historic success.
Dr. Nyathirombu confirmed that President Museveni would be the Chief Guest, describing his attendance as a strong endorsement of cultural institutions as partners in national development.
He also appealed to local leaders to mobilize their communities and ensure broad participation, saying, “This is not just a royal celebration; it is a moment to reflect on how our culture can drive self-reliance and prosperity.”
The Vice Chairperson of the Organizing Committee and Minister of Lands, John Pascal Wapokra, lauded Kal Omua Chiefdom for taking on the responsibility of hosting the upcoming coronation.
He described the event as “a symbol of unity and cultural pride” that demonstrates the resilience and togetherness of the Alur people.
Wapokra encouraged residents of Paidha and neighboring areas to embrace the preparations wholeheartedly, noting that the anniversary would boost the local economy through tourism, trade, and hospitality activities.
David Ongom, Secretary of Kal Omua Chiefdom, expressed his gratitude to the Kingdom for selecting Paidha as the host venue.
He said the choice was a blessing to the community and would bring both spiritual and economic benefits.
“We are honored that this year’s celebrations will be held in Kal Omua. It will not only strengthen our cultural heritage but also create economic opportunities for our people,” Ongom remarked.
The Alur Kingdom, which comprises 56 chiefdoms in Uganda and eight in the DRC, has also unveiled a series of pre-event activities designed to foster unity and community engagement ahead of the main celebration.
Among the lined-up activities are the “Kopu P’u Bimu” sports tournament and the MTN Ker-Alur Bicycle Run 2025, both aimed at promoting youth participation, physical fitness, and cultural pride.
Youth leader and Paidha Town Council LCIII aspirant, Mr. Sam Rwothomio, urged the youth to take an active role in the preparations.
He called upon young people to volunteer, participate in the planned sports events, and use the anniversary to showcase the creativity and energy of Alur’s younger generation.
Zombo Woman MP aspirant, Adong Sarah, also rallied residents to unite across political affiliations, saying the anniversary was an opportunity to demonstrate the cultural richness and solidarity of the Alur Kingdom.
She said, “This is not about politics; it is about culture, heritage, and the pride of being Alur. Let us come together and celebrate who we are.”
School leaders have also pledged to participate in the festivities through traditional performances, exhibitions, and educational programs aimed at promoting cultural identity among children.
Gilbert Jakwonga, the Headteacher of Divine Mercy Nursery and Primary School, confirmed his institution’s readiness to showcase traditional Alur dances and songs during the event.
He said involving children in such activities was vital in preserving and transmitting cultural values to future generations.
“This is how we teach our children to take pride in their culture and understand where they come from,” Jakwonga said.
This year’s coronation anniversary follows last year’s grand celebration held in Parombo Town Council, Nebbi District, continuing the Kingdom’s rotational tradition of hosting the event across its various chiefdoms.
The 2025 edition is expected to draw thousands of attendees, including cultural leaders, government officials, dignitaries from the DRC, and Alur subjects from across East Africa and the diaspora.
As preparations gather pace, excitement continues to build across the Alur Kingdom, with communities, cultural groups, and institutions already mobilizing to make the 15th Coronation Anniversary a memorable celebration of unity, progress, and cultural revival.
