KAMPALA UGANDA, APRIL 20 2025 — Maj. John Kazoora, a veteran of Uganda’s Bush War and a former lawmaker who became a vocal critic of President Yoweri Museveni, has died. He was in his late 60s.
The cause of death was not immediately known.
John Kazoora, best known for his 2012 memoir -Betrayed by My Leader, once served as a close aide to Museveni in the early years of the National Resistance Movement government. However, he later became a fierce opponent, particularly of the removal of presidential term limits.
He served as director of political affairs in military intelligence and later represented Kashari County in Parliament under the Movement system, before breaking ranks with the establishment.
Kazoora was also a founding member of the opposition Forum for Democratic Change and served in the shadow cabinet.
He served as a member of parliament for Kashari County from 1996 to 2006. In 2006, he lost his seat to Urban Tibamanya, a Museveni ally, after a bitter election campaign.
He faced health challenges in his later years, including spinal and hip injuries from a fall. He also battled colon cancer.
Sources close to the family said Kazoora spent his final months in and out of intensive care at Nakasero Hospital.
He is survived by his wife, Hon. Naome Kabasharira, a current member of parliament and an ally of First Lady Janet Kataha Museveni, and four sons.
Funeral arrangements were not immediately announced.