Dept Speaker Tayebwa Pays Tribute to the Late Maj. John Kazoora at Requiem Mass!

KAMPALA – Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa and his wife today joined hundreds of mourners at All Saints Cathedral, Nakasero, to pay their last respects to the late Hon. Rtd. Maj. John Bashaija Kazoora, a revered former legislator and liberation hero.

In a heartfelt tribute, Tayebwa described the late Kazoora—fondly referred to as “Uncle John”—as a man who deeply influenced his personal and political life. “He treated my wife and I as part of his family,” Tayebwa remarked, highlighting the late Major’s warmth and mentorship.

Kazoora, a former Member of Parliament for Kashari County, was the husband of Hon. Naome Kabasharira, the current MP for Rushenyi County. The Deputy Speaker lauded the late legislator’s role in Uganda’s liberation struggle, stressing that his generation bore the brunt of hardship to secure the freedoms now enjoyed by younger Ugandans.

Mourners attending the requem mass of the late Maj Kazoora at All Saints Nakasero

“We are a lucky generation because we did not suffer like the generation of Kazoora. Sometimes we forget the sacrifices made by that generation. We must always respect and pay tribute to them,” Tayebwa said.

He further revealed that even after his retirement, Maj. Kazoora continued to offer guidance to Parliament, regularly visiting and advising both the Speaker and himself. “We are grateful for his wisdom and remain open to guidance and constructive criticism from our senior leaders,” Tayebwa added.

Among the key lessons he said he learned from Kazoora was the importance of building strong families as the bedrock of national development.

The requiem mass drew mourners from across the political and professional spectrum, a testament to the late Major’s broad influence and legacy. Notable figures in attendance included former Chief Justice Bart Katureebe, Kampala Deputy Lord Mayor Doreen Nyanjura, former Ethics and Integrity Minister Dr Miria Matembe, Kashari South MP Nathan Itungo, and the Inspector General of Government Hon. Beti Kamya, among others.

The nation continues to mourn the passing of a man many describe as a patriot, a mentor, and a statesman.