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The family of the late Major John Kazoora on Wednesday commended President Yoweri Museveni for not abandoning his former bush-war compatriot in his sickness, despite their bitter political disagreements.
At a funeral service held for the deceased at All Saints Church, Nakasero, the family commended Museveni and the UPDF for standing with them and helping with the medical bills.
Hon Naome Kabasharira, the widow, told mourners that Museveni had been there for Maj Kazoora, through the 20 years of Kazoora’s sickness.
“John was stubborn, but I want to tell you that the president cannot forget people with whom he fought in the bush, especially when they fall sick,” she said.
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When Kazoora first became seriously ill in 2003, she says, he was taken to several hospitals, including Nakasero, Mulago, Nairobi Hospital, and later flown to Turkey.
While in Turkey, she said, they ran out of money because an emergency heart operation was needed.
“I did not know what to do, so I reached out to Afande (Proscovia) Nalweyiso, who helped me reach the president with ease, and he footed the rest of the bill,” she said.
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Museveni reaches out
According to Kabasharira, Kazoora struggled with diabetes, which led to other health complications, that eventually took his life on Easter Sunday.
Following his death, she said, President Museveni and First Lady Janet called her and extended their condolences to the family.
She also commended the UPDF for chiming in time and again to help with the medical bills.
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A number of Kazoora’s friends, including General Ivan Koreta and 2nd Division Commander, Maj Gen Francis Takirwa, often visited him in the hospital.
Family dismayed
However, some of the family members expressed dismay over the absence of some of Kazoora’s old-time friends from the NRA at the funeral service.
Arnold Kazoora, the eldest son, said he hoped that these friends had shown up to speak about his father’s contribution during the bush war.
“As the president always says, there were six batches in the NRA, and his group is unfortunately not here,” he said.
“It is sad that we don’t have anybody who can come and speak about his work in that group…to tell us his story regarding what he did for the army.”
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At the requiem service, the UPDF was represented by Gen Sabiiti Muzeyi, the head of the UPDF’s Luwero Industries Ltd, who is also a close family friend.
Also present was Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa.