Gulu City, Uganda: Political leaders in the Acholi Sub-region have called on the Government of Uganda to formally recognize and support the family of the late Johny Baptist Oryema Lacambel, the civilian peace negotiator widely credited with helping persuade Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) fighters to abandon rebellion and return home.
The appeal was made during a special sitting of the Gulu City Council held in honour of Lacambel’s legacy, days after his burial in Gulu City.
Lacambel, a former radio presenter, producer and technician, died on May 31, 2026, at St. Mary’s Hospital Lacor aged 73. He was laid to rest on June 13 at his home in Kabedo-Opong Cell, Ariaga Ward, Laroo-Pece Division, Gulu City.
Many leaders described him as one of the most influential civilian figures in the peace efforts that contributed to ending the two-decade LRA insurgency in northern Uganda.
Leaders Push for Government Compensation
During the memorial council meeting, leaders urged the central government to compensate and support Lacambel’s family in recognition of his contribution to peacebuilding.
Gulu City Speaker Lamex Lambert Akena said the council dedicated the sitting to honouring a man whose efforts helped bring peace to a region devastated by war.
Kitgum Municipality Mayor Richard Okwera Ojara described Lacambel as one of the greatest sons of Acholi but lamented that he died in poverty despite his immense contribution to society.
“From the evidence I saw at his home, this great man died a poor man,” Okwera said.
He called on Acholi Members of Parliament to lobby government to support the family through scholarships for surviving children, improved housing and financial assistance.
Okwera also proposed that roads and public infrastructure be named after Lacambel to preserve his legacy for future generations.
Calls for Memorials and Historical Preservation
Laroo-Pece Central Councillor Susan Acan proposed that Community Road in Ariaga Ward be renamed in Lacambel’s honour.
Gulu District Chairperson Justine Obol Simpleman argued that despite his contribution to peace, Lacambel never benefited from the stability he helped restore.
“When discussions about peace are held, his name is rarely mentioned, yet he played a critical role,” Obol said.
He proposed constructing a district hall in Lacambel’s name and displaying his portraits in council halls across the Acholi Sub-region.
Lamwo District Chairperson Oyet called for the documentation and archiving of Lacambel’s contributions for future generations.
“He was an extraordinary man who died ordinarily,” Oyet remarked.
Parliament Petition Planned
Kilak South MP Dr. Gilbert Olanya pledged to raise the matter in Parliament to ensure government formally acknowledges Lacambel’s contribution and explores ways of supporting his family.
Olanya revealed that he visited Lacambel in hospital just days before his death and was told that financial challenges had complicated his medical treatment.
He urged society to support people while they are still alive rather than celebrating them only after death.
“We should remember people when they are in need, not only after they have passed away,” Olanya said.
Legacy of a Peace Messenger
Gulu City Mayor Julius Acire Labeja praised Lacambel as an innovative technician who used radio broadcasting as a powerful tool for peacebuilding during one of northern Uganda’s darkest periods.
Acire proposed documenting Lacambel’s story through books, memoirs and annual public lectures focusing on peace and reconciliation.
He suggested that institutions such as Gulu University’s Institute of Peace and Strategic Studies could spearhead initiatives to preserve his legacy.
Deputy Town Clerk James Toolit assured leaders that Gulu City would work toward implementing resolutions passed during the memorial sitting.
The Man Behind “Dwog Cen Paco”
Born on February 14, 1953, in present-day Amuru District, Lacambel was a pioneer broadcaster who established one of northern Uganda’s earliest local radio stations.
Through his popular radio programme “Dwog Cen Paco” (Return Home), he encouraged LRA fighters to abandon rebellion and reunite with their families.
Former peace actors and colleagues say his relationship with LRA leader Joseph Kony enabled him to communicate messages that contributed to the return of many abductees and combatants.
His role earned him recognition as one of the few civilian figures trusted by both conflict-affected communities and rebel commanders during the height of the insurgency.
Lacambel battled illness since 2022, including complications related to stroke, heart disease and other health conditions.
He is survived by 14 children and 26 grandchildren.
For many in Acholi, his death has reignited debate over how Uganda remembers and rewards individuals whose contributions helped bring peace to communities torn apart by conflict.
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