Africa-Press – Uganda. Opposition members have united with the nation in mourning the death of Major (Rtd) John Kazoora, a distinguished veteran of the National Resistance Army (NRA) and a critic of the government.
Maj Kazoora’s death was reported on Sunday, but the cause remains unknown.
In the wake of his passing, the opposition have expressed condolences for the former war veteran, with many labeling him a patriot and commending his efforts to challenge Uganda’s post-revolutionary leadership.
In a message shared on X (formerly Twitter), Robert Kyagulanyi, the leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP), referred to Maj Kazoora as a patriot.
Kyagulanyi lamented that it was unfortunate the late veteran did not live to witness the country he devoted his youth to improving.
“Rest in peace, Hon. Rtd. Major John Kazoora. You were a patriot who served your country with distinction,” Kyagulanyi posted on Monday.
He added, “It is very sad that you never got to see the kind of country you sacrificed your youthful years for. Your book, “Betrayed By My Leader” remains behind as a testament of your contribution to Uganda, but also an expose of the origins of dictatorship in our land.”
The Forum for Democratic Change to which the former legislator was a founding member hailed him for his role in shaping the party’s foundation and Uganda’s Multiparty Democracy.
“We are Saddened by the loss of a remarkable leader the Hon. Rtd Maj. John Bashaija Kazoora, former Member of Parliament for Kashari County Constituency in Mbarara District in the 6th and 7th Parliament (1996-2006) and a founding member of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC),”
“As a key figure in the PAFO (Parliamentary Advocacy Forum), he played a big role in shaping our Party’s foundation and Uganda’s Multiparty Democracy. He was the founding FDC Secretary for Defense, Security and Internal Affairs. We in the FDC will deeply miss his enormous contributions and towering legacy. May his soul rest in eternal peace.” the party stated.
The Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) described Maj Kazoora as a tireless champion and a source of inspiration for future generations.
“We have with great sadness learnt of the passing of Maj. John Kazoora. An indefatigable fighter. As He said when he was asked whether he was happy to quit this government he said, “Yes, Because history will absolve us and we will never be lumped up together with people who ditched this country and our children will walk with their heads up”. Rest In Peace.” ANT stated on social media.
Kazoora, originally from western Uganda, is primarily recognized for his memoir, Betrayed by My Leader, in which he details his transformation from an idealistic university student to a combatant in the guerrilla war from 1981 to 1986 that led to President Yoweri Museveni’s rise to power.
The book serves as a strong critique of what he perceives as the abandonment of the revolutionary principles that the National Resistance Army (NRA) once championed—namely, freedom, democracy, and the rule of law.
A former comrade of Museveni during the bush war, Kazoora later emerged as a principled voice in Parliament and within the security sector after the conflict.
He held the position of director of political affairs in military intelligence and subsequently represented Kashari County in Parliament under the Movement system, before ultimately distancing himself from the establishment.
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