A wave of sorrow has swept through Uganda’s Catholic community following the death of renowned choir master, composer, and gospel singer, John Bosco Kazoora, barely one week after his wedding.
Popularly known as JB Kazoora, the celebrated church musician died on May 4, 2026, just days after exchanging vows with his wife in a holy matrimony ceremony held on April 25.
The 77-year-old music icon was widely revered within the Roman Catholic Church, particularly in the Mbarara Archdiocese, where his songs became a spiritual soundtrack for generations of worshippers across western Uganda.
According to reports, Kazoora succumbed to complications related to diabetes, leaving family members, friends, and the Catholic faithful devastated by the sudden loss.
Grief filled Nyamitanga Cathedral on May 7 as hundreds of mourners gathered to honour the late gospel singer and pay their final respects to a man many described as a pillar of church music.
His daughter, Nyamwija Risella, broke down in an emotional tribute, describing her father’s death as the most painful moment of her life.
“This is the worst moment of my life. The strongest pillar that held me firm on this earth and gave me reason to work very, very hard is no more. Rest in peace, Daddy, my hero, my best friend, the best musician I know; Mr John Bosco Kazoora,” she said.
For decades, JB Kazoora’s compositions inspired worshippers and shaped Catholic liturgical music in Uganda, cementing his legacy as one of the country’s most respected gospel musicians.
