John Bashaija Kazoora

John Bashaija Kazoora (August 4, 1958 – April 20, 2025) was a Ugandan soldier, politician, and author who retired at the rank of major. 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.

Background and education Kazoora was born in Rutooma in Mbarara district, South 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.

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.

Political career and opposition Kazorora was a representative of Kashari County, Mbarara district between the 1996 and 2006 Sixth and Seventh Parliaments. 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. He expressed regret over his military rank, stating that he never intended to have a military career and felt conscripted into the army.

Death and legacy Kazoora died on 20 April 2025, at the age of 67 after a lingering illness. He was interred in Rutooma, Kashari, Mbarara District, where he had been born. His burial was a show of unity across ideologies; he was called a man of honor and ultimate patriot.