TWO MINORITY COMMUNITIES SECURE COURT INJUNCTION AGAINST ALUR KINGDOM, ZOMBO DISTRICT

Kebhu Kingdom prime minister (in coat) with some cabinet ministers after their press conference in Arua City (All photos by Onzoma Albert)

By Onzoma Albert

Arua City

The Equal Opportunities Commission Tribunal has issued a permanent injunction against the Alur Kingdom and Zombo District Local Government, prohibiting cultural suppression, the requirement for permission to conduct cultural rites, and systemic discrimination against the Kebhu and Lendu ethnic minority communities.

The ruling, made on May 18th, 2026, clarified that compelling Kebhu members to seek prior approval from the Alur Kingdom for social and cultural activities breaches their rights to freedom of association and cultural autonomy.

The tribunal noted a progressive erosion of the communities’ identities and their limited participation in governance structures, especially in Zombo district.

Kebhu cabinet ministers during their press conference in Etori Ward, Ayivu Division, and Arua City.

Alexis Ukecha, Prime Minister of Kebhu Kingdom, highlighted ongoing issues of discrimination, marginalization, and unequal treatment faced by the Kebhu community, which prompted them to lodge complaints with the Equal Opportunities Commission.

“The judgement was entirely in our favor because the commission found out that all the allegations we made against these institutions were true because the evidences were well substantiated, overwhelming and it was beyond reasonable doubt that the commission could not decide the way it decided” he said.

The tribunal affirmed breaches of several constitutional articles—Articles 21, 29, 36, and 37—as well as provisions of the African Charter.

The injunction enforces the cessation of cultural domination and restrictions imposed by the Alur Kingdom. It requires Zombo District to ensure transparent recruitment processes and fair representation for Kebhu and Lendu groups in statutory bodies.

Zombo District LC5 Chairman, Hon Oyulu Oruna James, welcomed the ruling, emphasizing that the district has been sharing services with all five ethnic groups, including minority communities, and states that Kebhu community should appreciate the district’s efforts in service delivery.

“I feel when we are complaining that first thing is for us to appreciate the little and put our requests for more later, however we appreciate this but we feel there is a gap which needs to be filled, we request this should be fairly heard and understood but not totally we ignored them 100% totally as a district” he said.

David Rupiny, Public Relations Officer of the Alur Kingdom, stated that the issues raised are governance-related rather than cultural, affirming the peaceful coexistence between the Alur Kingdom and the Kebhu community.

“It’s not about Alur kingdom but I think it is about issues of local governance generally, Alur kingdom does not really so much lead in some of this issues but what I know is that Alur and Kebhu have been leaving well and peaceful for edges, there might have been some historical issues between the two here and there but overall I think the relationship between Alur kingdom and Kebhu has been harmonious” he said.

The tribunal’s ruling followed a public inquiry conducted on May 12, 2025, into complaints from the Nubian community in Arua City and Kebhu community leaders in Zombo District. The tribunal identified structural exclusion in governance, employment, and public appointments favoring dominant groups.

Finally, the tribunal ordered local authorities to ensure Kebhu and Lendu representation in statutory bodies and to implement transparent hiring practices. Additionally, the Ministry of Education is instructed to introduce Kebu and Lendu languages into local instruction and teaching materials.