By Delux Emmy Alomu
SOROTI CITY
The passing of Robinson Gabriel Pele, known as Dr. Lucifer Dyel-Remo, has left the congregation of the Pentecostal Assemblies of God (P.A.G) Soroti Assembly in a state of confusion. Dyel-Remo translates to “goat’s blood” in Luo.
Pele succumbed to advanced prostate cancer at Soroti Regional Referral Hospital on Sunday, February 8th, 2026, at the age of 58.
In the wake of his death, some members of the church objected to moving his body to P.A.G Soroti City Church-Agip for a prayer service due to the implications of his name, while others insisted on proceeding with the prayers.
After much debate on various platforms including social media, the church leadership ultimately decided to hold the prayer service at his home in Aminit Cell, Madera Ward, Soroti City East.
The prayer service, led by P.A.G members at his residence on Tuesday, February 10th from 2PM, drew a large crowd, but many mourners felt a palpable tension as they pondered the significance of the name Lucifer.
Everyone appeared anxious, eager to hear what the speakers would say regarding this unusual situation.
Bishop Stephen Ebaale of Heritage Living Churches in Soroti remarked during his introduction that Pele had initially been part of the P.A.G community before transitioning to Reconciliation Ministries, where he adopted the name Lucifer.
Pastor Akoko Okello added that Pele had expressed a desire not to be addressed by his surname, emphasizing that the “real” Pele had passed away, and he had now assumed the identity of Lucifer.
Okello noted that Pele frequently engaged in discussions with church leaders about this name and often prevailed in those arguments.
Rev. Daniel Akubu, a former P.A.G pastor, shared insights into Pele’s earlier life, describing him as a dedicated and friendly individual. However, he highlighted that a significant personal crisis—stemming from the rejection of a romantic relationship—had greatly impacted Pele’s mental state. The rejection became so overwhelming that it led Pele to adopt the name Lucifer and, at times, exhibit erratic behavior on the streets of Soroti.
“After this girl declined to marry him, Pele lost his composure,” Rev. Akubu explained. “There were moments when he would wander around, acting as if he was driving a vehicle in the streets of Soroti.”
He urged the mourners to refrain from deliberating excessively about the name, describing Pele’s emotional struggles as a prolonged illness marked by stress.
Akubu urged everyone to heed the wisdom of church leaders and to manage their own stress, emphasizing that it’s important not to project one’s burdens onto others, as coping with stress can be quite challenging.
Bishop Mathew Omagor of the P.A.G Central Teso Pastorate addressed attendees before the guest preacher took the stage, emphasizing the uniqueness of each funeral, particularly this one.
“Do not let anyone impose baseless judgments on you for supporting this family,” he stated. “As I’ve noted, this funeral carries its own distinctiveness. People have varying perceptions on how to approach situations like this, and we shouldn’t fault anyone for their perspectives; it may reflect their level of spiritual maturity and comprehension. If a fellow member from PAG confronts you directly about your presence here, please let us know.”
He encouraged attendees to respond affirmatively if asked about their attendance, reminding them that if they encounter negativity or legalism that exceeds the biblical principle of loving one another, they should be ready to assist those individuals in understanding the heart of the Father.
Bishop Omagor shared that he had known members of Pele’s family since serving as assistant pastor at PAG Main Church in 1997, where he witnessed their commitment and generosity.
He recounted that Pele had struggled with speaking in tongues excessively and had difficulty coordinating his actions, which coincided with his relationship with his girlfriend who lived near his rental.
“There were times during church prayers that Pele would be overly expressive in speaking in tongues. We asked him about this, but he described it as something that just happened, and he continued in the same manner,” the bishop recalled.
He mentioned that Pele would sometimes visit his girlfriend’s place, sitting quietly and rolling his eyes without speaking, which understandably alarmed her, leading her to bring the situation to the church’s attention.
Omagor advised Pele not to visit her again and later this made him cross to Reconciliation ministry church.
Bishop Omagor highlighted a divine appointment he experienced on Thursday when he visited a sick reverend; Pele’s daughter unexpectedly encountered him and expressed that it was meant to be.
After engaging in thoughtful conversation with Pele for over 30 minutes, the Bishop guided him in a prayer of confession and recommitment to Jesus Christ.
“Let us refrain from judging anyone, as he has recommitted himself to Christ,” he remarked.
He reminded everyone that heaven is a shocking place. “Some individuals you assume are destined for heaven may miss it, while those you think will easily enter to heaven unopposed might not be as fortunate, reminiscent of the thief crucified alongside Jesus.”
“We are doing the right thing; we are not under condemnation,” he asserted.
Rev. Stephen Omoko of P.A.G Otucopi shared a powerful message while reading from 2 Timothy 4:6-8, highlighting the challenging nature of labeling one’s struggle.
He pointed out that the name Lucifer, which originally had positive connotations as one of God’s angels, was ultimately replaced by the terms devil or Satan after he was thrown down by God due to disobedience.
Rev. Omoko emphasized the importance of perseverance, reminding Christians to engage in the good fight and strive to finish their race with faith.
“Even amidst your pain and challenges, what truly matters is to finish the race well and uphold your faith,” he encouraged.
While reading the biography, Joseph Eneru, a close friend and former colleague of Pele, shared insights from Pele’s life.
He noted that Pele was born to the late Romanos Okwir and Girados Aluku in Lela, Ateta Cell, Aboke Ward, in Lira City East Division, where his father worked as a police officer.
After completing his Higher Diploma in Marketing at UCC Aduku from 1989 to 1992, Pele held various positions in the industry. He eventually resigned as the Station Manager of Uganda Dairy Corporation in Soroti in 2000, citing undue pressure from his superiors to engage in corruption.
From 2004 to 2006, Eneru, who was a director of Global Artist Company Soroti, hired Pele as his office manager. He described Pele as exceptionally honest and one of the hardest workers among the more than 100 individuals he managed.
He said it was during this time that Pele adopted the name Lucifer, prompting questions from numerous churches, schools, and organizations including other customers over his new name.
When the time came for Pele to start his own venture in 2007, they negotiated a plan in which Eneru assisted him in purchasing equipment for his business, which he named Starlink Uganda limited, focusing on secretarial services and printery upto the time of his death.
Pele later married Teddy Ariao (late), a widow with six children whom he adopted. They later produced only one daughter, Mary Aluku.
As a child, Pele was baptized in the Church of Uganda and later got saved in the P.A.G and Reconciliation Ministries in Soroti, eventually establishing his own ministry called the Beast Ministry which he denounced on his sickbed by renewing his salvation with PAG Soroti before Bp Mathew Omagor, a reason why PAG was leading prayers.
In 2024, he faced a troubling medical condition that made it difficult for him to urinate, leading to a hospital visit at Mulago, where he dealt with cancer. Though discharged recently, Pele became anemic on February 1, 2026, lost consciousness, and was rushed to Soroti Hospital, where he sadly passed away on the morning of Sunday, February 10, 2026.
Lawyer Monica Athieno, one of Pele’s adopted children, remarked that his father possessed a clear mind, which enabled him to educate and nurture them spiritually.
Soroti City Mayor Joshua Edogu, a neighbor and friend of the late Pele, encouraged those gathered to reflect on their own lives and consider whether they measure up to Pele’s legacy. He recalled first hearing the name “Lucifer” two decades ago, which piqued his interest and led to a close friendship.
Edogu praised Lucifer as a diligent individual who achieved remarkable success through his various business endeavors, including printing badges and sweaters, which ultimately allowed him to build a comfortable home and provide education for his adopted children.
Pele, the fifth of ten siblings, leaves behind several children, including adopted ones: Scovia Ageo, lawyer Monica Athieno, social worker Jennifer Anyango, Army Dr. Martin Onyango, the late Rachael Anyango, Peter Onyango, and Mary Alupo, who is pursuing a degree in biomedical engineering.
