Retired Major John Bashaija Kazoora, a respected former combatant in the National Resistance Army (NRA) and a vocal advocate for democratic reforms, will be buried on Thursday, April 24, in his ancestral home of Rutooma, Kashaari.
Kazoora passed away on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, at the age of 66. His death marks the end of a life defined by revolutionary zeal, political conviction, and an unwavering commitment to the ideals for which he once went to war.
A vigil will be held at his residence in Kigo on the evening of Tuesday, April 22, followed by a funeral service at All Saints Cathedral in Kampala on Wednesday, April 23 at 9:00 am.
Born on August 14, 1958, Kazoora rose to prominence as one of the young intellectuals who joined the 1981–86 NRA insurgency that brought President Yoweri Museveni to power. A product of Uganda’s university activism, Kazoora became a frontline figure during the Bush War and later transitioned into roles in military intelligence and Parliament.
He served as Director of Political Affairs in the military and later represented Kashaari County as an MP under the Movement system. However, over time, he grew increasingly disillusioned with the direction the country had taken, citing a departure from the revolutionary ideals of freedom, justice, and democratic governance.
Kazoora’s political and ideological shift was cemented when he aligned with the opposition, particularly working closely with Dr. Kizza Besigye. The two shared not only a wartime background but also a vision for a reformed and more accountable Uganda.
In his memoir, Betrayed by My Leader, Kazoora offered a candid reflection on the NRA revolution, confronting uncomfortable truths about his own actions and those of his comrades. He lamented how the dream of a democratic Uganda had, in his view, been overtaken by authoritarianism and impunity.
“We envisioned a country where justice reigned and the rule of law mattered,” he wrote. “But what we built has become a structure ruled by fear.”
Despite retiring from the military, Kazoora never stopped engaging in public debate. He was known for his firm stance against repression and his calls for civic empowerment as the path toward completing Uganda’s democratic transformation.
Major Kazoora will be remembered not only for his contributions on the battlefield but also for his fearless critique of the very system he helped build. His legacy remains a testament to integrity, courage, and the enduring pursuit of a just society.
