The legal fraternity in Uganda is mourning the death of John Baptist Kakooza, a revered senior advocate, Democratic Party stalwart, and fearless legal reformist who passed away on Saturday, May 17, 2025.
Kakooza, best known for his decades-long contribution to the legal sector and his unyielding advocacy for judicial independence and civil liberties, leaves behind a towering legacy in the struggle for the rule of law and democratic governance.
The Uganda Law Society, through its President Isaac Ssemakadde, paid tribute to the fallen legal titan, describing him as a champion of justice, and an intellectual tower of the Radical New Bar, whose work speaks for itself.
Colleagues, I am deeply saddened by the passing of Senior Advocate John Baptist Kakooza, a distinguished essayist, NSSF icon, stalwart of the Democratic Party, champion of justice, intellectual tower of the Radical New Bar, and trailblazing figure in Uganda’s legal landscape,” Ssemakadde wrote.
“He was a fearless advocate whose transformative vision for the legal system left an indelible mark. We will draw ongoing inspiration from his legacy as we pursue equity and accountability,” the RNB President added.
“My heartfelt condolences go out to his family during this difficult time. Farewell, my friend and mentor from Buddu. The Uganda Law Society honours your memory.”
Kakooza served as Corporation Secretary at the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), where he advocated for transparency, professionalism, and institutional integrity. He was instrumental in spearheading legal frameworks that aimed to safeguard workers’ savings and eliminate loopholes within public agencies.
Beyond litigation, Kakooza was also a significant pillar in Uganda’s opposition politics. As one of the Democratic Party’s long-serving legal advisers, he played a key role in challenging repressive laws and defending civic space.
His legal and ideological alignment with DP presidents like Paul Kawanga Ssemogerere and John Ssebaana Kizito gave him a lasting imprint on Uganda’s multiparty evolution.
In later years, Kakooza became an outspoken critic of judicial capture and growing executive interference in court
In one of his last public addresses at a Ben Kiwanuka memorial lecture, the Veteran lawyer warned that Uganda’s judiciary risked turning into an “appendage of political patronage” if judicial officers abandoned their independence.
A staunch Catholic and patriot from Buddu, Kakooza inspired generations of lawyers through his writing, mentorship, and unrelenting quest for justice. His peers described him as principled, intellectually rigorous, and uncompromising when it came to defending the Constitution.
According to the announced send-off programme; there will be a vigil at his home in Nsambya on Tuesday, 20th May 2025 followed by a Requiem Mass at Lubaga Cathedral on Wednesday, 21st May 2025 at 9:00am.
JB Kakooza will be laid to rest at his ancestral home in Kalungu in Greater Masaka on Thursday, 22nd May 2025 at 2 pm.
