Celebrating Life
Acholi grieves loss of radio legend, peace advocate Mzee Lacambel
According to family members, he had been transferred from the intensive care unit (ICU) at Gulu Regional Referral Hospital to the ICU at Lacor Hospital at around 11:00 am the same day after concerns were raised about the functioning of critical care services at the referral hospital.
The Acholi community is mourning the death of renowned broadcaster, cultural educator and peace advocate John Bosco Oryema. (Courtesy photo)
By: Christopher Nyeko, Journalist @New Vision
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The Acholi community is mourning the death of renowned broadcaster, cultural educator and peace advocate John Bosco Oryema, popularly known as Mzee Lacambel, whose voice became synonymous with peacebuilding and cultural preservation in Northern Uganda.
Oryema died on May 31, 2026, at 4:30 pm at St Mary’s Hospital, Lacor in Gulu city at the age of 75.
According to family members, he had been transferred from the intensive care unit (ICU) at Gulu Regional Referral Hospital to the ICU at Lacor Hospital at around 11:00 am the same day after concerns were raised about the functioning of critical care services at the referral hospital.
Peter Okello Byela, a nephew appointed to speak on behalf of the family, confirmed the veteran broadcaster’s death and described him as a devoted father, teacher of Acholi culture, gifted storyteller and tireless peacebuilder.
“He was a man who loved people, cherished culture, and always spread joy through his endless jokes and wisdom,” Byela said.
Oryema had battled health complications for several years. After suffering a minor stroke in 2023, he became bedridden and later lost his sight.
In March this year, he sustained a femur fracture that further worsened his condition. He had not recovered from the injury at the time of his death.
Following news of his passing, thousands of mourners across the Acholi sub-region and beyond flooded radio stations and social media platforms with tributes, remembering a man whose voice guided communities through some of the region’s darkest moments.
Senior journalist Denis Ojwee of Vision Group described Oryema as a broadcaster who used the power of radio not only to inform but also to unite communities and promote peace.
“He was a man who loved people, cherished culture, and always spread joy through his endless jokes and wisdom,” Byela said.
Oryema had battled health complications for several years. After suffering a minor stroke in 2023, he became bedridden and later lost his sight.
In March this year, he sustained a femur fracture that further worsened his condition. He had not recovered from the injury at the time of his death.
Following news of his passing, thousands of mourners across the Acholi sub-region and beyond flooded radio stations and social media platforms with tributes, remembering a man whose voice guided communities through some of the region’s darkest moments.
Senior journalist Denis Ojwee of Vision Group described Oryema as a broadcaster who used the power of radio not only to inform but also to unite communities and promote peace.
“While some of us went to the field to gather news, Lacambel remained behind the microphone, mobilising people for peace and reconciliation,” Ojwee recalled.
Veteran journalists Livingstone Okumu Langol and Willy Chwoo, who worked alongside Oryema over the years, also paid tribute to his dedication to public service and community development.
Lawyer Henry Komakech Kilama hailed him as a trusted mediator who helped bridge the gap between government forces and the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) rebels during efforts to restore peace in Northern Uganda.
Cultural leaders also celebrated his legacy. John Peko Lugayi, chief of the Pajule clan and chairperson of chiefs in Pader district, described Oryema as one of the strongest defenders of Acholi cultural heritage.
Other traditional leaders, including Godfrey Opoka Aloo, popularly known as King Jah Fire and chief of Pubech, joined the growing list of mourners paying their respects.
For decades, Oryema used radio as a platform to preserve Acholi traditions through popular cultural programmes on Mega FM, including Tekwaro and Bakmac. Through these programmes, he promoted traditional Acholi music genres such as Aguma and Nanga while educating younger generations about their cultural identity.
He also earned widespread recognition for his role in peacebuilding. Through the famous radio programme Dwog Cen Paco (“Come Back Home”), he appealed directly to rebels and abducted children to return home, assuring them of safety and acceptance within their communities.
The testimonies of former abductees broadcast on the programme inspired many others to leave rebel captivity and reunite with their families.
Beyond radio, Oryema played a direct role in peace negotiations. He participated in the 1988 peace accord between the Uganda People’s Democratic Army (UPDA), led by Okello Okeno, and the National Resistance Army (NRA), led by President Yoweri Museveni.
During the height of the LRA insurgency between 2005 and 2006, he ventured into rebel-controlled areas as part of efforts linked to the Juba Peace Talks.
His contributions to national development earned him official recognition, including a national medal for his role in the fight against the Ebola outbreak in 2000 and for his efforts in restoring peace in Northern Uganda.
The family has announced that Oryema will be laid to rest on June 13, 2026, at his ancestral home in Kabedopong, Lumuku Keyi A, Bardege-Layibi division, Gulu city.
As tributes continue to pour in, many across Acholi say the region has lost not only a broadcaster but also a trusted voice of peace, culture and reconciliation whose legacy will endure for generations.
Veteran journalists Livingstone Okumu Langol and Willy Chwoo, who worked alongside Oryema over the years, also paid tribute to his dedication to public service and community development.
Lawyer Henry Komakech Kilama hailed him as a trusted mediator who helped bridge the gap between government forces and the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) rebels during efforts to restore peace in Northern Uganda.
Cultural leaders also celebrated his legacy. John Peko Lugayi, chief of the Pajule clan and chairperson of chiefs in Pader district, described Oryema as one of the strongest defenders of Acholi cultural heritage.
Other traditional leaders, including Godfrey Opoka Aloo, popularly known as King Jah Fire and chief of Pubech, joined the growing list of mourners paying their respects.
For decades, Oryema used radio as a platform to preserve Acholi traditions through popular cultural programmes on Mega FM, including Tekwaro and Bakmac. Through these programmes, he promoted traditional Acholi music genres such as Aguma and Nanga while educating younger generations about their cultural identity.
He also earned widespread recognition for his role in peacebuilding. Through the famous radio programme Dwog Cen Paco (“Come Back Home”), he appealed directly to rebels and abducted children to return home, assuring them of safety and acceptance within their communities.
The testimonies of former abductees broadcast on the programme inspired many others to leave rebel captivity and reunite with their families.
Beyond radio, Oryema played a direct role in peace negotiations. He participated in the 1988 peace accord between the Uganda People’s Democratic Army (UPDA), led by Okello Okeno, and the National Resistance Army (NRA), led by President Yoweri Museveni.
During the height of the LRA insurgency between 2005 and 2006, he ventured into rebel-controlled areas as part of efforts linked to the Juba Peace Talks.
His contributions to national development earned him official recognition, including a national medal for his role in the fight against the Ebola outbreak in 2000 and for his efforts in restoring peace in Northern Uganda.
The family has announced that Oryema will be laid to rest on June 13, 2026, at his ancestral home in Kabedopong, Lumuku Keyi A, Bardege-Layibi division, Gulu city.
As tributes continue to pour in, many across Acholi say the region has lost not only a broadcaster but also a trusted voice of peace, culture and reconciliation whose legacy will endure for generations.