Retired Major John Kazoora, a veteran of Uganda’s 1980s Bush War and a former Member of Parliament turned outspoken critic of President Yoweri Museveni, has died. He was in his late 60s.
The exact cause of his death has not yet been confirmed, though sources close to the family indicate that Kazoora had been battling a range of health complications, including spinal and hip injuries sustained from a fall, as well as a prolonged battle with colon cancer. He reportedly spent much of his final months in and out of intensive care at Nakasero Hospital in Kampala.
A well-known figure in Uganda’s military and political circles, Kazoora was once a trusted aide of President Museveni during the formative years of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government, having served in the National Resistance Army (NRA) following the successful conclusion of the Bush War in 1986.
However, over the years, he became a vocal opponent of the regime he helped to install—particularly criticizing the abolition of presidential term limits and what he saw as a departure from the revolutionary ideals the NRM once championed.
In his 2012 memoir, “Betrayed by My Leader,” Kazoora chronicled his political journey and growing disillusionment with Museveni’s leadership. The book offered an insider’s account of the inner workings of the NRM and became a reference point in discussions around political accountability in Uganda.
He served as Member of Parliament for Kashari County from 1996 to 2006. His decade-long tenure came to an end after a closely contested and bitter election in which he lost his seat to Urban Tibamanya, a known Museveni ally.
Following his exit from Parliament, Kazoora joined the opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), where he served in various capacities, including as a member of the shadow cabinet. He remained a consistent and unyielding voice in Uganda’s political opposition, earning respect across the political spectrum for his principled stance.
In a surprising turn last year, Kazoora met privately with President Museveni—a reunion that drew public attention given their well-documented political fallout. According to sources familiar with the meeting, Museveni reportedly forgave the ailing veteran and advised him to focus on his health rather than politics.
Kazoora is survived by his wife, Hon. Naome Kabasharira, the current Member of Parliament for Rushenyi County and a political ally of First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni, along with their four sons.
Funeral arrangements are currently underway, and an official family statement is expected to be released in the coming hours.
