By Aggrey Twesigye
Hundreds of members of the Catholic community gathered at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Nyamitanga Cathedral in Mbarara City on Thursday to celebrate the life of renowned Catholic hymn composer John Bosco Kazoora, who died on Monday at the age of 64 following complications related to diabetes.
During the requiem Mass, Lambert Bainomugisha praised Kazoora for his immense contribution to the Catholic Church through music.
The Archbishop revealed that before his death, Kazoora had requested the Roman Catholic Diocese of Mbarara to take over stewardship of his music compositions.
Archbishop Bainomugisha said the diocese had already reviewed nearly 600 liturgical songs composed by the late musician, and that only his final approval remained before the works could officially be adopted.
He described Kazoora as a dedicated evangelist who used music to help Christians deepen their faith and understanding of God.
Born on July 2, 1962, Kazoora will be laid to rest on Friday at Kabagoma Village in present-day Nyabuhikye Parish, Ibanda District.
Throughout his lifetime, Kazoora composed hundreds of Catholic hymns covering different parts of the liturgy, including entrance processions, offertory, Holy Communion, thanksgiving, and recessional songs.
Among his most celebrated compositions are Reeba Irembo rya Mukama Riboneire, Mwije Nkundwa za Mukama, Ekitiinwa Ayi Mukama, Nkwata Omukono Taata, Mukama Ninkusiima, Tihariho Ondiijo, and several Marian hymns including Maria Ori Omuhiirwa and Yateemba Maria Omugabekazi.
He also composed songs centered on vocation and Christian service, such as Ntume Oha, Otatiina, and Noza Kuhereza Mukama.
Beyond church music, Kazoora promoted cultural values through compositions like Ninyenda Kwombeka Eka, meaning “I Want to Build a Home.”
