Lacambel remembered as unsung hero of Acholi's return to peace
His requiem Mass was presided over by Gulu Archdiocese Emeritus Archbishop Most Rev. John Baptist Odama, who described Lacambel as a God-sent figure who helped rescue the Acholi sub-region from the devastation of insurgency.
Johny Baptist Oryema, widely known as Mzee Lacambel, was laid to rest on Saturday afternoon at his ancestral home in Kabedopong-Lumuku, Ariaga Ward, Laroo-Pece Division in Gulu City. (Photo by Christopher Nyeko)
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Johny Baptist Oryema, widely known as Mzee Lacambel, was laid to rest on June 13, 2026, at his ancestral home in Kabedopong-Lumuku, Ariaga ward, Laroo-Pece division, Gulu city, as thousands of mourners from across northern Uganda and beyond gathered to pay their final respects.
His requiem Mass was presided over by Gulu Archdiocese Emeritus Archbishop Most Rev. John Baptist Odama, who described Lacambel as a God-sent figure who helped rescue the Acholi sub-region from the devastation of insurgency.
"My namesake liked cracking jokes; he was truly a peacemaker."
During a special council session held in his honour on June 12, Acholi leaders and politicians called on the Government to compensate and support Lacambel's family, arguing that his contribution to ending the two-decade Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) insurgency had never been adequately recognised.
Lacambel, a veteran broadcaster and founder of northern Uganda's first FM radio station, died on May 31, 2026, at St Mary's Hospital Lacor at the age of 73 after a prolonged illness.
He leaves behind two wives, 17 children, 26 grandchildren and a legacy that many leaders say changed the course of the region's history.
Known and trusted by both LRA leader Joseph Kony and government officials, Lacambel used radio as a powerful tool for peacebuilding at the height of the conflict.
In 1996, he established Radio Freedom, which later became Mega FM in 2002.
The programme became one of the most successful peace messaging initiatives during the war, contributing to the surrender and reintegration of thousands of former combatants.
Speaking during the memorial council sitting, former Bardege Division LCIII chairperson Alfred Oluba recalled Lacambel's direct involvement in peace efforts, including facilitating meetings between Acholi leaders and Joseph Kony in Garamba National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
"Kony called Lacambel; it was not the government," Oluba told mourners. "He selected the delegation himself and entrusted the list to Lacambel. We endured hunger and hardship in the bush because we believed peace was possible."
Oluba revealed that Lacambel was among the few civilians trusted by Kony and had even cared for two of the rebel leader's wives before escorting them to meet him in the bush.
Despite his significant contribution, Oluba said Lacambel died in poverty.
"He worked tirelessly through radio and direct engagement to restore peace in northern Uganda, yet he received little support from the government. His family deserves recognition and assistance," he said.
Gulu LC5 chairperson Justine Obol lamented that Lacambel's name is often overlooked when discussing key contributors to peace in Acholi.
"Lacambel dedicated his life to peace, and peace was achieved. But when he needed appreciation, the government remained silent," Obol said.
He proposed that Lacambel's portraits be displayed in district council chambers across the Acholi sub-region and that a road be named in his honour.
Lamwo LC5 chairperson Sisto Oyet Ocen described the late broadcaster as a courageous advocate who continued to champion peace despite threats during the height of the conflict.
"Anyone talking about rebels at that time risked serious consequences, but Lacambel persisted," Ocen said. "He was one of the few people who could speak directly to Kony."
Kitgum municipality mayor Richard Ojara Okwera said Lacambel's contribution to national peace efforts was invaluable and warranted government compensation.
"Others who have done much less have received substantial rewards. Lacambel deserves recognition and compensation for the service he rendered to this nation," Okwera said.
Kilak South MP Gilbert Olanya pledged to present the council's resolutions before Parliament and lobby the Government to support the bereaved family.
Gulu city deputy mayor Walter Ali recalled witnessing Lacambel struggle financially as his health deteriorated.
"I saw him sell some of his property to pay medical bills," Ali said. "We must not abandon our elders after they have sacrificed so much."
Gulu city mayor Julius Labeja Gunya described Lacambel as "a beacon of peace, a decorated media personality, a cultural icon, and a promoter of technology."
He urged Acholi writers and historians to document Lacambel's life and contribution to peace for future generations.
"We should preserve this history for future generations," Gunya said. "A book titled The Journey for Peace would be a fitting tribute."
The emotional tributes came hours after thousands of mourners lined the streets of Gulu city to witness the procession carrying Lacambel's body through the city.
Accompanied by a brass band, the procession drew tears, songs and chants from residents who remembered the familiar radio voice that for years urged rebels to abandon violence and return home.
Many reflected on the symbolism of the moment: the man who spent decades calling others home from the bush was now making his own final journey home.
Born on February 14, 1953, to George Ojara Lacambel and Rose Monpeke, Lacambel was also a cultural promoter, musician, drummer, football goalkeeper and passionate advocate for Acholi heritage through popular radio programmes such as Tekwaro and Bakmac.
As Acholi leaders continue to push for official recognition of his contribution, many believe the greatest tribute to Lacambel will be preserving the peace he helped secure and ensuring that the family he leaves behind does not bear the burden of that sacrifice alone.