Major John Kazoora, NRA Veteran Dies at 67

Major (Rtd) John Kazoora, a respected former fighter in Uganda’s National Resistance Army (NRA), has passed away at the age of 67. His death occurred on Easter Sunday, and although the exact cause remains unclear, it was confirmed by his family and close friends, including political activist Ronald Muhinda.

Kazoora was best known for his powerful memoir Betrayed by My Leader, where he told the story of his journey from a young university student to a guerrilla fighter in the 1981–1986 war that brought President Yoweri Museveni to power. The book sharply criticized how the ideals of freedom, democracy, and justice were lost after the revolution.

He wrote honestly about both his own mistakes and those of the post-war leadership. He pointed to corruption, abuse of power, and growing intolerance as signs that the revolution’s promises had been betrayed.

After the war, Kazoora held key roles, including director of political affairs in military intelligence, and served as a member of Parliament for Kashari County. But over time, he distanced himself from the government and joined reform efforts led by opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye. The two men shared a personal friendship and similar political views.

Kazoora often spoke out about the danger of silencing critics and concentrating power in the hands of a few. His public speeches and writings became a voice for others who felt disappointed by the direction Uganda had taken.

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Ronald Muhinda remembered him as someone who stayed true to his beliefs even when it meant challenging former comrades. “Betrayed by his leader, now called home by his Creator,” said Muhinda. “Go well, sleep well.”

Though his battles ended, Kazoora believed the revolution’s real goals—truth, justice, and freedom—would still be achieved someday. Not through violence, he said, but through honesty and civic action.