Mbarara, Uganda – Major (Rtd) John Kazoora, a prominent figure in Uganda’s political and military history, passed away on Sunday, April 20, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of service and outspoken advocacy.
Details regarding the cause of his death remain scanty.
Kazoora, a bush war hero, played a significant role in the National Resistance Army (NRA) during the 1981-86 struggle that brought President Yoweri Museveni to power.
Rising to the rank of Major, he served for 23 years before retiring in 2005. His military career included key roles such as Special District Administrator for Kabale and Kampala and Director of Finance in the Internal Security Organisation (ISO).
Transitioning to politics, Kazoora represented Kashari County in Mbarara District as a Member of Parliament from 1996 to 2006, first under the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
His vocal stance on governance issues led to a falling out with Museveni, prompting him to join the opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) in 2005, where he became a founding member and a leading voice.
He later served as FDC’s Mobilization, Information, and Publicity Secretary for Mbarara District.
Kazoora’s memoirs, Betrayed by My Leader, detailed his disillusionment with Museveni’s leadership, accusing him of betraying the NRA’s founding principles and opposing the elimination of presidential term limits in 2005.
The book, considered controversial and effectively banned in Uganda, cemented his reputation as a fiery critic of the government.
In 2011, Kazoora contested for the Mbarara Municipality parliamentary seat but lost to NRM’s Dr. Medard Bitekyerezo.
He made another attempt in 2016, again unsuccessfully, and briefly returned to contest the Kashari South seat in 2021 as an NRM-leaning independent, despite earlier vowing to quit politics.
Tributes poured in on social media, with many recalling Kazoora’s courage and contributions.
“Rest well, Maj. (Rtd) John Kazoora of Rutooma, Kashari. You wrote about betrayal, joining the likes of Sam Kalega Njuba,” posted X user Adam Nuwamanya.
Kazoora’s death marks the end of an era for Uganda’s bush war generation and opposition politics.
Details of his funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.