John Bashaija Kazoora
John Bashaija Kazoora | |
|---|---|
| Born | August 4, 1958 Rutooma, Mbarara District, Uganda |
| Died | April 20, 2025 (aged 66) Rutooma, Kashari, Mbarara District, Uganda |
| Nationality | Ugandan |
| Education | Political science |
| Alma mater | Makerere University |
| Occupation(s) | Soldier, politician, author |
| Years active | 1982–2025 |
| Known for | Member of Parliament (1996–2006), co-founder of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) |
| Notable work | Betrayed by My Leader (2012) |
| Political party | Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) (after 2005) |
| Other political affiliations | National Resistance Movement (NRM) (before 2005) |
| Spouse | Naome Kabasharira |
| Children | 4 sons |
John Bashaija Kazoora (August 4, 1958 – April 20, 2025) was a Ugandan soldier, politician, and author who retired at the rank of major.[1] In 1982, he joined the National Resistance Army (NRA) where he played a vital role in the bush war that brought President Yoweri Museveni to power in 1986.[2][3][4]
Background and education
[edit]Kazoora was born in Rutooma in Mbarara District, Western Uganda to Enoch Kazoora (father), a former serviceman in the King's African Rifles and a driver in the Ankole Kingdom, and Manjeri (mother), a disciplinarian who emphasized education and faith. He was the youngest of eight children.[5]
Kazoora started his education at Rutooma Primary School, then joined Nyakasura School, where he formed lifelong friendships with future national figures like Benon Biraaro and David Sejusa.[5] He joined Makerere University and graduated with a bachelor's in political science. In 1982, shortly after completing his degree, he joined the NRA guerrilla war that brought President Yoweri Museveni to power in 1986.[6][2][7]
Political career and opposition
[edit]Kazorora was a representative of Kashari County, Mbarara district between the 1996 and 2006 Sixth and Seventh Parliaments.[8][4][9] He was a strong constitutionalist and one of the few members of parliament from Ankole to oppose lifting term limits, when it happened in 2005.[6] In disillusionment with the NRM he cofounded the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) as Secretary for Defense, Security and Internal Affairs.[10][8][4]
Memoir: Betrayed by My Leader
[edit]In 2012, Kazoora published his memoir, Betrayed by My Leader, offering an unflinching account of Uganda’s post-liberation politics. The book chronicles his journey from a committed NRA cadre to a critic of what he perceived as the erosion of democratic values under President Museveni.[1][4][7][11] He expressed regret over his military rank, stating that he never intended to have a military career and felt conscripted into the army.[10]
Death and legacy
[edit]Kazoora died on 20 April 2025, at the age of 67 after a lingering illness.[11] He was interred in Rutooma, Kashari, Mbarara District, where he had been born.[4] His burial was a show of unity across ideologies; he was called a man of honor and ultimate patriot.[2]
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Maj John Kazoora: A selfless patriot". Monitor. 2025-04-22. Retrieved 2025-04-28.
- ^ a b c "John Kazoora: hailed as 'man of character and true patriot'". The Independent Uganda. 2025-04-24. Retrieved 2025-04-28.
- ^ "Museveni never abandoned Maj Kazoora, says widow". Monitor. 2025-04-23. Retrieved 2025-04-28.
- ^ a b c d e Kansiime, Tracey. "Old Guards Unite to Salute Major John Kazoora for Service and Integrity". Nilepost News. Retrieved 2025-04-28.
- ^ a b "Mbarara district mourns John Bashaija Kazoora". tmafrica.co.ug. 2025-04-28. Retrieved 2025-04-28.
- ^ a b Uganda, TheSpy (2025-04-21). "Uganda Mourns Hon. Maj. John Kazoora: Bush War Veteran, Statesman & Voice Of Conscience - TheSpy". Retrieved 2025-04-28.
- ^ a b "Maj. (Rtd) John Kazoora's memoirs: How I fell out with Museveni". Monitor. 2021-01-10. Retrieved 2025-04-28.
- ^ a b "Former Kashaari MP Maj.John Kazoora Passes On At 69". Thecapitaltimes. 2025-04-20. Retrieved 2025-04-28.
- ^ "M7 Meets & Forgives Ailing Maj John Kazoora-Advises Him To Concentrate On His Health Problems & Quit Politics". mulengeranews.com. 2025-03-05. Retrieved 2025-04-28.
- ^ a b "Why John Kazoora regretted military rank". The Independent Uganda. 2025-04-23. Retrieved 2025-04-28.
- ^ a b N/A, Nile Post. "BREAKING: Major John Kazoora, NRA Veteran and Author of 'Betrayed by My Leader', Dies Aged 67". Nilepost News. Retrieved 2025-04-28.