A somber mood engulfed Nyamitanga Cathedral yesterday as believers, family members, friends, and church leaders gathered for a requiem mass in honor of celebrated gospel composer and musician JohnBosco Kazoora.
According to family members, the 64-year-old passed away on Monday following complications related to diabetes, barely a week after celebrating his wedding.
The mass service was led by Lambert Bainomugisha, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Mbarara, amid emotional scenes marked by tears and grief from mourners who gathered to celebrate the life of a man many described as a pillar of liturgical music in Uganda.
Speaking during the service, Archbishop Bainomugisha applauded Kazoora for dedicating his talent to transforming lives spiritually through music.
“Kazoora used his talent to touch and transform many lives spiritually. We are gathered here because of the impact his voice and music had on countless hearts. His life teaches us the importance of fully utilizing the gifts God gives us. He sacrificed his art for the Church without demanding payment, and his music continues to be used across the country,” the Archbishop said.
The Archbishop further revealed that the Church plans to honor Kazoora’s legacy by launching a hymn book containing his compositions.
“The late often visited me, and we discussed his calling and dream of compiling a hymn book. He requested that the Church launch it after reviewing whether it aligned with Catholic teachings. We have continued with that process so that even in death, his legacy remains alive. So far, he composed over 600 songs, and I pledge that the Church will officially launch the hymn book,” he added.
The Diocesan Musical Chaplain, Richard Beinomugisha, described Kazoora as a rare and gifted composer whose music deeply resonated with Christians.
“The late was truly a liturgical lion composer for Uganda. His talent was extraordinary. At one point, he traveled abroad and lectured elites about music composition. When he returned, he composed ‘Ninye Oha,’ a song expressing gratitude to God for elevating him. His songs always touched the hearts of believers and stirred emotions within congregations,” Fr. Beinomugisha said.
Family members paid glowing tribute to the late composer, describing him as a devoted father and servant of God.
His son, January Agaba, said the family was struggling to come to terms with the loss.
“It is difficult to believe that our teacher, hero, and friend is gone. We thank God for his life because he served the Lord regardless of circumstances. He taught us to serve God through music, and we promise to live by the values he instilled in us,” he said.
His daughter, Ristella Nyamwija, remembered her father as a generous man whose music filled their home daily.
“His talent was a gift we experienced every day. Our home was never quiet because there was always a melody or rhythm taking shape. The songs he leaves behind are pieces of his heart and soul gifted to the world. He shared his musical gift generously with friends, children, and choristers across Uganda,” she said.
His widow, Emmanuelina Kobusingye, described him as a deeply prayerful man devoted to serving God.
“My husband constantly reminded me about prayer. He was a true servant of God who dedicated his life to serving his Creator. He gave me the best life, and I pray the Lord grants him eternal peace,” she said.
Kazoora was widely celebrated for his Runyankore-Rukiga liturgical music, which became popular in churches across Uganda. By the time of his death, he had composed over 1,000 songs and written more than 600 liturgical hymns in Runyankore-Rukiga and English.
He is survived by 15 children and will be laid to rest at his ancestral home in Kabagoma Village, Nyamirima Parish, Bufunda Ward, Ibanda Municipality.
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