Alur Cultural Festival returns with colourful 11th edition in Paidha

Zombo: The historic 11th edition of the Alur Cultural Festival has taken place in Paidha, Zombo District, bringing together thousands of revelers, cultural enthusiasts, artists and Alur subjects from Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and beyond.

Held recently, at Lady M Gardens along Solia Stream in Jupandika East Cell, Nyibola Ward, the festival celebrated Alur culture, cuisine, music and traditional dance under the theme “Back to Our Roots.”

The event marked the first time the annual festival has been hosted in Zombo District since its establishment in 2015.

By 10 a.m., the festival grounds were already buzzing with activity as boda boda riders ferried revelers from Paidha Town Council to the venue.

Reggae music provided entertainment as festival partners, including MTN Uganda and the Alur Kingdom Secretariat, prepared their branded tents.

As the day progressed, crowds streamed into the venue, enjoying traditional foods, drinks and cultural entertainment ahead of the main programme.

By 3 p.m., the grounds were filled to capacity, with Red Cross personnel on standby as long queues formed at the entrance. Revelers paid entry fees either in cash or through MTN Mobile Money.

Traditional Agwara and Ndara dance groups were also ready to showcase their performances.

The official programme opened with remarks from Liza David, the LC1 Chairperson of Jupandika East, followed by local government leaders.

MC Tasha then set the stage for the main programme with a gospel performance before Zombo District LCV Chairperson James Oruna Oyullu welcomed the guests and thousands of revelers.

Oyullu commended the festival organisers and proposed that future editions could be rotated across the wider region.

He also used the occasion to caution residents about the Ebola outbreak reported across the border in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Zombo District Health Officer Mark Bramali reinforced the warning, urging residents to remain vigilant, noting that several provinces, including neighbouring Ituri, had reported Ebola cases.

Alur heritage takes centre stage

Alur Kingdom Executive Director Vincent Orach Ocaya commended the organisers for sustaining the cultural festival and presented MTN Uganda with a portrait of Alur King, His Majesty Ubimu Philliph Rauni Olarker III.

The gesture attracted applause from the crowd.

Chief Guest Rwoth Angiya Emmanuel was later welcomed to the stage with a rendition of the Alur cultural anthem “Ker Alur.”

Chief Angiya urged Alur subjects to preserve their cultural heritage while promoting love, unity and peace.

He also called for responsible dressing and urged communities to protect the girl child from teenage pregnancy and support girls to remain in school.

The reigning Little Miss Uganda West Nile, Davina, also appeared on stage, where she spoke about preserving cultural heritage and positive dressing codes.

Following her presentation, the Chief Executive Officer of the Alur Cultural Festival appointed her Brand Ambassador for the next five years.

Chief Francis Omwon Denis Ringu Langu II of Kal Awora Chiefdom, who is also the CEO of the Alur Cultural Festival, thanked the Alur Kingdom delegation, sponsors and partners for supporting the event.

Among those recognised were MTN Uganda, Radio Paidha, Comfort Aluminum, Chill Out Longe and Lady M Gardens.

Ringu Langu II revealed that the festival was not only about entertainment but would also contribute to community development.

“Proceeds from this year’s production will go toward extending clean water sources to our communities here,” he announced.

The announcement was met with excitement from the crowd.

Music, dance and business

The Jupajalagatha Ndara dance crew officially kicked off the performances, with MCs Tasha and Banton maintaining the energy throughout the programme.

DJ Roger Boy provided music as revelers danced and traditional performers took the stage.

Chief Angiya later flagged off the Agwara and Ndara dance performances, attracting large crowds to the lower section of the festival grounds.

Dust filled the air as dancers and revelers joined in the celebrations.

The festival also featured comedian Dan Rwothomio, popularly known as Baby Boy or I Boy, blogger Comfort Ug and musicians and performers from Uganda, the DRC and the diaspora.

Local artists, including Baraka, performed into the night as the crowds continued to enjoy the festival.

Beyond entertainment, the event provided a platform for artisans to display and sell traditional beadwork, woven baskets, jewellery and other crafts.

Businesses around the venue also benefited from the large turnout, with traders reporting brisk sales as the celebrations continued into the night.

Preserving Alur identity

Established in 2015 under the Alur Cultural Association Limited, the Alur Cultural Festival has grown into one of the major cultural gatherings in the West Nile region.

The festival aims to preserve, promote and showcase Alur heritage across Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

This year’s edition focused on Zombo District and featured traditional dances, music, crafts, indigenous foods and live cultural performances.

Organisers say the festival is particularly important for younger generations who are increasingly becoming detached from traditional practices because of modern entertainment and globalisation.

Through performances such as Agwara and Ndara, as well as traditional songs, instruments, food and crafts, the festival provides an opportunity for young people to reconnect with their heritage.

The 2026 edition had initially been anticipated in May but was postponed because of Ebola-related concerns.

Despite the delay, the Paidha edition attracted thousands of people and ran into the early hours of Monday morning, with some revelers still leaving the venue by 7 a.m.

It was the first time the festival had been held in Zombo District since its launch in 2015.

The next edition is scheduled to take place at Luo Grounds in Nebbi Municipality.

Chief Ringu Langu II pledged that the cultural celebration would continue.

“We shall continue with this event for our people,” he declared.

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