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Olarker being welcomed in Hoima on Friday
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The Omukama of Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom, Solomon Gafabusa Iguru I, on Friday welcomed His Royal Highness Philip Olarker Rauni III, King of Alur Kingdom.
Hundreds of Alur people living in Bunyoro-Kitara gathered in Hoima to welcome their King. The Prime Minister of Bunyoro-Kitara, Andrew Byakutaga, led Olarker to the Karuziika Royal Palace, where he met Omukama Iguru in the presence of members of the Royal Family, Royal Commissioners, and select members of the Alur community.
Olarker expressed gratitude towards Bunyoro Kingdom for hosting a large Alur community and maintaining peaceful relations between the two tribes.
"I am here to appreciate the people of Bunyoro for the love and peace that have prevailed for many years. This region hosts the largest number of Alur people, and I am happy that the two tribes have lived together in peace and harmony," he said.
L-R Andrew Byakutaga and Olarker at the kingdom headquaters in Hoima on Friday
The Alur King highlighted the historical ties between the two kingdoms, dating back to the 16th century during the Luo migration, when Rukidi, the founder of the Babiito dynasty, parted ways with his brother Kyebambe to establish the Babiito dynasty in Bunyoro.
"From this historical background, the Luo, always consider Bunyoro-Kitara as our second home. This explains why the largest populations of Alur, Acholi, and Lango have found it hospitable to settle here," he explained.
He acknowledged the role both kingdoms play in shaping political discourse and contributing to socio-economic development.
He urged the Alur community in Bunyoro-Kitara to show respect for the Omukama's authority and uphold their cultural traditions in line with Uganda's Constitution.
To strengthen ties with Bunyoro-Kitara, Olarker appointed Prince Morris Ngabitho as the Cultural Envoy to the kingdom.
Byakutaga emphasised the kingdom's focus on improving livelihoods, mentioning initiatives like promoting coffee growing across the region. "As a kingdom, we are committed to enhancing the livelihoods of our people, and currently, we are promoting coffee cultivation throughout the kingdom," he said.
