news 31 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
John Bosco Oryema 'Lacambel', Peace Negotiator Who Used Radio to Reach LRA Rebels, Dies
John Bosco Oryema, widely known as Lacambel, who utilized his radio program 'Dwog Cen Paco' (Come Back Home) to encourage LRA rebels to lay down their arms, has passed away. His voice became a critical bridge for peace during the insurgency in Northern Uganda. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/lacambel-the-warrior-who-used-radio-to-broker-peace-with-lra-rebels-dies-5480368
The death of John Bosco Oryema, famously known as Lacambel, has cast a somber mood over Northern Uganda. Lacambel, who passed away at the age of 74, was a renowned broadcaster whose unique approach played a significant role in peace efforts during the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) insurgency.
Through his popular radio program, ‘Dwog Cen Paco’ (Come Back Home), which aired on Mega FM, Lacambel used his calm yet commanding voice to directly address Joseph Kony and his top commanders. The program aimed to persuade fighters in the bush to return to their communities, offering messages of hope and reconciliation.
During a time when communication was limited, Lacambel’s show became a vital link. Rebels sometimes called into the program live, and messages and letters from both fighters and community members were shared. Recorded testimonies of returnees were also broadcast, assuring those still in the bush that they would not be harmed upon surrender.
His program was often interspersed with traditional Acholi songs that highlighted the suffering caused by the war, resonating deeply with the displaced and war-torn communities. Lacambel’s consistent message focused on peace, forgiveness, and reconciliation.
This dedication led him to become part of a peace delegation in 2006, which traveled to Garamba in South Sudan to meet Joseph Kony directly. His role was to convey the plight of the people and their willingness to forgive, while also facilitating the transmission of rebel messages back home.
Lacambel’s chosen career path was deeply personal, stemming from the loss of his brother to violence. He once stated, “I chose peace because my brother died as a result of violence. I never wanted anyone to feel the pain I went through.” His efforts are credited with inspiring thousands of LRA fighters to defect. Despite his crucial role in peace-building, colleagues noted he, like many others, had not been formally recognized for his contributions.
His battle with cancer ultimately led him to retire from media work in 2023. Lacambel passed away on Sunday at St Mary’s Hospital, Lacor, in Gulu City. His legacy as a peace ambassador who turned a microphone into a powerful tool for de-escalation and reintegration is remembered by many in the region.