In Memory of Peter Kamalingin B.L: He led not from ABOVE but among us

It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of Peter Kamalingin B.L., a beloved leader, colleague, mentor, and friend.

Peter was a man of extraordinary vision and unwavering dedication, a selfless leader who embodied the very essence of humanity, justice, and equality. As Country Director of Oxfam in Uganda from 2012 to 2018, Peter led with courage and humility. He empowered all those around him, consistently encouraging staff and partners to speak truth to power and challenge the status quo in the pursuit of a just and inclusive society.

During his tenure, Peter navigated complex and often fragile landscapes with courage and determination. He fostered strong and strategic partnerships across civil society, government, and grassroots movements.

Under his leadership, the organisation advanced critical work on extractive industries, land rights, and women’s rights, ensuring that marginalised voices were heard and empowered.

He championed a strong, research- and evidence-based approach, commissioning several pivotal studies that informed national dialogues and policies. Oxfam in Uganda’s campaigns became more visible, impactful, and driven by the voices of the people they served. 

He led the localisation agenda with a steadfast commitment to strengthening and empowering local and national humanitarian actors, laying the groundwork for a more resilient and locally led response system.

Peter was more than a leader. He was a vibrant spirit, full of life and joy. He led not from above but among us. A colleague, first and foremost, and a source of inspiration to all. 

His humility and deep respect for others earned him admiration and affection from staff, partners, and the communities we serve. He often said that his inspiration and motivation came from the people he encountered within the communities Oxfam serves. 

A vivid example is the Gender Learning Systems (GALS) champions whom he met in Arua and frequently spoke about.

He was a mentor to many, always finding time to guide, encourage, and nurture emerging leaders. Through his words and actions, he left a great mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy lives on in the people he mentored, the movements he strengthened, and the change he championed.

Today, we honour Peter’s memory and celebrate his life. A life that was rich with purpose, passion, and a relentless pursuit of justice. 

To Peter’s family, friends, and loved ones, we extend our heartfelt condolences and stand with you during this time of sorrow. May you find comfort in knowing that Peter’s impact and spirit will forever remain in the hearts of Oxfam in Uganda and in the countless lives he touched. Rest in peace, Peter Kamalingin B.L.

Francis Shanty Odokorach | Oxfam in Uganda Country Director

When I was relocated from Tanzania to Kenya, I got a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to interact with Peter Kamalingin.  As a member of our small but well-knit group in Lavington, Nairobi, we met frequently in our homes.

Peter was an embodiment of humility, yet full of wisdom.  Peter was a giant in both stature and wisdom. Down to earth he was!  A week could not pass without Peter sharing photos from his ancestral home.

From Politics to Development, from Agriculture to Estate development, Peter had an inexhaustible reservoir of wisdom. He consistently and frequently laced everything with humour.  His words of counsel, which he so generously provided at my farewell luncheon as I was coming to take over leadership at the Uganda National NGO Forum, still ring in my ears. A baobab tree and the North Star in the NGO Sub sector has fallen. Rest in Power, Comrade Peter Kamalingin

Moses Isooba | Executive Director, Uganda National NGO Forum

We mourn the passing of Peter Kamalingin with deep sorrow. As a true humanitarian and development leader, Peter’s legacy in advancing Local Humanitarian Leadership (LHL) will forever remain etched in our hearts and work.

It was under his visionary leadership at Oxfam in Uganda that Uganda began its journey toward localisation in 2015 through the Empowering Local and National Humanitarian Actors (ELNHA) project. ELNHA marked a turning point, supporting over 60 local and national actors across the country to build institutional strength, staff capacity, and timely humanitarian preparedness and response, with women and children at the centre. The project was built on three powerful pillars: space, voice, and capacity principles. Peter championed these with passion and integrity.

As the Chairperson of the C4C Working Group Uganda, I can confidently say that Peter’s leadership was instrumental in shaping today’s localisation architecture. The C4C Working Group itself was birthed out of the ELNHA initiative, an enduring platform that now drives policy influence and coordination among humanitarian actors in Uganda.

Mr. Okello James, staff of Northern Uganda Widows and Orphans Support Organisation (NUWOSO), one of the ELNHA beneficiaries, shared: "ELNHA enabled us to strengthen our systems and governance, enhance staff capacity, and grow as a local organisation. Today, we play leadership and coordination roles at both the regional and national levels."

Miss Juliet Donna, C4C Working Group Advisor and former staff member of CEFORD, another ELNHA-supported organisation, echoed these sentiments: "Peter, you leave us as a hero of Local Humanitarian Leadership. Your calm demeanour, wisdom, and courageous leadership continue to inspire us to take on even the toughest challenges."

Miss Naomi Ayot Oyaro, C4C Working Group Advisor and Executive Director of CAPAIDS Uganda, said: "We still celebrate your contributions as a leader globally, regionally, and nationally. Your dedication to localisation, environmental protection, and community transformation will remain a legacy for generations."

Peter, your life’s work empowered local voices and opened doors for national actors to lead. We honour you as a true humanitarian, a localisation pioneer, and a humble visionary.

Rest in power, our hero.

Joyce Julian Acoko.
Chairperson, C4C Working Group – Uganda | ED, Northern Uganda Widows and Orphans Support Organisation- NUWOSO