New traditional chief of Alur Djuganda in the DRC enthroned

By Mike Rwothomio

The Alur Djuganda of Mahagi Territory in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have a new chief, Rwoth Defelaise Songa Ukiya III.

A royal team from Ker Alur enthroned Rwoth Ukiya III during a royal ceremony on Friday, December 13, 2024, in his palace in Djalasiga in Mahagi Territory.

The Alur Djuganda Chiefdom is one of the eight Ker Alur chiefdoms in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Alur Djuganda, alongside Ang’al and  a section of the Kakwa, both of Uganda and the DRC, are descendants of Thiful, the youngest of the Nyilak triplets, the other two being Nyipir and Labongo.

The enthronement process included Rwoth Okiya III with the Queen of Alur Djuganda undergoing the mandatory three-day rigorous cultural rituals and mentorship sessions in Kuvugu hut, while totally secluded from the public.

In his speech, Rwoth Ukiya III pledged total cultural allegiance to Ker Alur under Ubimu of Alur Rauni III, the spearhead (or Leb Tong) of the Luo who resides at Kaal Atyak Winam.

The official coronation of Rwoth Ukiya III, at which His Royal Majesty Phillip Olarker Rauni III is expected to preside over as the Chief Guest, will take place in February 2025 on a date to be announced.

Alur Kingdom has millions of subjects majority of whom are based in Democratic Republic of Congo.