Gulu City Council to Honour Peace Champion Johnny Baptist Oryema “Lacambel”

By Mildred Auma

8th June 2026

Gulu City Council will convene a special council sitting on 12 June 2026 at the home of the late Johnny Baptist Oryema, popularly known as Lacambel, in Laliya Village. The sitting, scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m., will celebrate and recognize his outstanding contribution to peace, reconciliation, and community healing during one of the most difficult periods in Northern Uganda’s history.

The special council meeting will be held a day before his burial and is intended to give leaders, residents, and institutions an opportunity to pay their respects to a man whose efforts contributed significantly to the restoration of peace in Northern Uganda.

Preparations for the event are already underway, with the Gulu City Clerk to Council working closely with the family of the deceased to ensure the successful organization of the historic sitting. The City leadership is also reaching out to political, cultural, religious, and technical leaders from across the Acholi Sub-region and beyond to attend and pay tribute to the late peace advocate.

The special council sitting reflects the City's commitment to preserving the memory of individuals whose actions helped shape the region's journey from conflict to recovery. 

Leaders from across Northern Uganda, members of the public, cultural and religious leaders, development partners, and family members are expected to gather to celebrate the life and legacy of a man whose efforts left a lasting mark on countless lives.

At the height of the insurgency in Northern Uganda, when communities were displaced, families were separated, and trust among people had been severely strained, Lacambel emerged as a respected voice advocating for dialogue and peaceful coexistence. Through his engagement with communities, families, opinion leaders, and individuals affected by the conflict, he consistently promoted messages that encouraged reconciliation and a return to normal life.

As the region worked towards stability, Lacambel became a symbol of resilience and unity. His contributions extended beyond any single initiative; they formed part of a broader effort that encouraged communities to choose reconciliation over revenge and dialogue over division. 

During the special council sitting, a number of distinguished leaders will deliver tributes reflecting on Lacambel’s contribution to peacebuilding and community transformation. The event will also provide an opportunity to document and celebrate the role played by local peace champions in shaping the future of the region.

According to Gulu City Mayor, Acire Julius Labeja, honouring Lacambel is not only a recognition of his personal achievements but also a celebration of the collective efforts that brought peace to Northern Uganda. It serves as a reminder to current and future generations that sustainable peace is built through courage, sacrifice, and a commitment to the common good.

As Gulu City gathers in Laliya to honour one of its distinguished sons, the occasion will stand as a tribute to a legacy that continues to inspire communities across the region. His life remains a powerful reminder that even in the most challenging times, individuals can make a profound contribution to building a peaceful, united, and prosperous society.

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