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John Kazoora
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By Jovita Hasto
Residents of Rutooma Village in Kashari North County, Mbarara District, are mourning the death of John Bashaija Kazoora, the former Director of Operations for the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), who passed away on Easter Sunday. According to family members, Kazoora died at home in Kampala at 3:00 p.m. “We were having lunch with visitors when I was informed that he had died in his sleep,” a relative said.
“He was a strong pillar for his family and helped drive development here and across Kashari North County,” added another family member.
Mbarara District Woman MP, Ms. Margate Ayebare Rwebyambu, described the late Kazoora as “Uncle John,” a political mentor to many. “He was the gallant son of Kashari and Mbarara District. We looked up to him—he guided countless politicians and shaped many careers.”
She continued, “Kashari, Uganda, and Africa at large have lost a great leader. We will miss his words and his confidence when making a point. Watching him on the floor of Parliament inspired us all.”
Mr. Grace Bagyenyi, Conflict Monitor at the International Republican Institute in Greater Ankole, recalled Kazoora’s role as a youth councilor and mobilizer. “He rallied MPs to fund and build a theatre at Bwizibwera Health Centre IV. He also supported churches, sports, and road construction across Western Uganda.”
Kashari North MP, Mr. Bazil Bataringaya, noted that Kazoora served honorably in the 7th Parliament. “His leadership reflected NRM principles—patriotism, Pan-Africanism, democracy, and socioeconomic development. I first met him at Makerere University; he left in his third year to join the bush war against vote rigging, fighting for the principles he held dear.”
Longtime resident Ms. Yeri Kenshoro remembered Kazoora’s contributions to Rutooma Village: “He helped build Rutooma Secondary School and the local church, and he supported many children’s education.”
Oubed Kamwanga, lay reader at Rutooma Church of Uganda, added, “He was the church’s founder and a major benefactor. Our community will miss his leadership and vision.”
John Bashaija Kazoora was born on August 4, 1958, in Rutooma Village, the youngest of eight children of the late Enoch and Manjeri Kazoora. He attended Rutooma Primary School and Nyakasura School in Fort Portal before earning a Bachelor’s degree in political science from Makerere University. Kazoora joined the NRA in 1981 during the Bush War and served as an administrator in Western Uganda in 1986. He later joined the FDC in 2001. His burial is scheduled for April 24, 2025, in Rutooma Village, Kashari North County, Mbarara District.
Torch Media Africa
