DP stalwart John Baptist Kakooza to be buried in Kalungu

John Baptist Kakooza, a Democratic Party (DP) stalwart and a towering figure in Uganda’s legal and political landscape, will be laid to rest on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at his ancestral home in Nende Village, Kalungu district.

A vigil will be held at the family residence in Nsambya on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, followed by a requiem mass at Rubaga Cathedral on Wednesday, May 21 2025, starting at 9:00am.

Kakooza passed away aged 70 on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Nsambya Hospital following complications related to diabetes and a stroke.

His death has drawn tributes from across Uganda's legal and political spheres, where he was renowned for his unwavering advocacy for justice, democratic values, and constitutional reform.

A longtime member and leader of the DP, Kakooza served as the party’s secretary general between 2004 and 2005, appointed by then DP president Dr Paul Kawanga Ssemogerere. He succeeded Mariano Drametu in this role and was widely praised for his intellectual rigour and principled leadership.

Outside politics, Kakooza held influential roles in the legal sector. As the former corporation secretary of the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), he championed transparency, professionalism, and institutional reform. His impact was particularly felt in legal circles, where his advocacy for the rule of law earned him widespread admiration and respect.

Among his notable legal contributions was the landmark case Kakooza John Baptist v Electoral Commission & Anor, which became a reference point in debates on electoral fairness and constitutional rights. His work helped shape jurisprudence on electoral justice in Uganda.

In a heartfelt statement, Uganda Law Society president Isaac Ssemakadde described him as “a champion of justice, an intellectual tower of the Radical New Bar, and a trailblazer in Uganda’s legal landscape.” Ssemakadde added, “His transformative vision for the legal system left an indelible mark. We will draw ongoing inspiration from his legacy as we pursue equity and accountability.”

Deo Njoki, a director at the Foundation for African Development (FAD), confirmed Kakooza's passing. He had served as board chair at the Makindye-based NGO and remained active in mentoring young reformers until his health declined.

Patrick Sekamatte, DP secretary for Bamunanika Constituency and former Uganda Young Democrats leader, reflected on his early memories of Kakooza during their student activism at Makerere University. “He stood out even then as a principled thinker and courageous voice,” Sekamatte said.

Responding to long-standing public speculation, Sekamatte also clarified that Kakooza’s wife, Court of Appeal Justice Irene Mulyagonja Kakooza, had been at his side throughout his illness. “There were unfounded rumours of a separation due to political affiliations—her with the NRM and him with DP—but they were together until the end,” he noted.

Kakooza contested the Kalungu West parliamentary seat twice, though he did not secure a win. Nonetheless, his contributions beyond the ballot box were widely seen as pivotal to strengthening Uganda’s democratic institutions.

He joins the ranks of revered DP figures such as Dr Paul Kawanga Ssemogerere, Ssebaana Kizito, Joseph Mukasa Balikuddembe and Edward Damulira Muguluma—stalwarts who dedicated their lives to advancing multiparty democracy and legal development in Uganda.

John Baptist Kakooza’s legacy endures in the ongoing fight for justice, integrity, and a truly independent judiciary—principles to which he devoted his life.