Africa-Press – Uganda. The government has announced that the Mary Busingye Karooro Okurut will be accorded an official burial, following her passing on Monday, August 11, 2025 at Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya.
Her death marks the loss of a distinguished Ugandan leader, educator, writer, and advocate for women’s empowerment.
Born on July 12, 1954 in Bwatogo Cell, Central Division, Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality, Karooro’s academic journey began at Bweranyangi Junior School and Bweranyangi Girls’ Secondary School, before completing her A-Levels at Trinity College Nabbingo in 1973.
She later attended Makerere University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Literature (1977), a Master of Arts in Literature (1981), and a Diploma in Education (1982). She lectured in the Department of Literature at Makerere University from 1981 to 1993, mentoring generations of students.
Okurut’s political career spanned decades. She joined active politics in 1993 as Press Secretary to the Vice President and later served as Commissioner at the Education Service Commission (1996–2000).
From 2001 to 2004, she was Private Press Secretary to President Museveni.
She won the Bushenyi District Woman Parliamentary seat in 2006 and held it until 2021, serving in several ministerial roles, including:
Minister of Information and National Guidance (2011–2012)
Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development (2012–2015)
Minister for Security (2015–2016)
Minister for General Duties, Office of the Prime Minister (2016–2021)
In April 2020, President Museveni appointed her to lead Uganda’s COVID-19 National Task Force, where she oversaw resource mobilization and public sensitization efforts.
At the time of her death, she had resigned as Senior Presidential Advisor on Public Relations and had expressed interest in returning to elective politics as a representative of the elderly in Western Uganda under the NRM.
Okurut was also a celebrated author, with works including The Invisible Weevil, The Official Wife, The Curse of the Sacred Cow, The Switch, The Man Who Ate His Eye, and The Adventurous Sisters. She co-founded FEMRITE (Uganda Women Writers Association), edited A Woman’s Voice, and was a columnist for New Vision until July 2025.
A committed community developer, she initiated a reusable sanitary pads factory in Bushenyi and founded the Ntambiko Crafts Centre.
She also served as Chairperson of the Bweranyangi Girls’ Secondary School Old Girls’ Association, promoting girls’ education.
The official burial will be overseen by a hybrid National Organizing Committee chaired by Minister for Presidency Milly Babalanda, in collaboration with Karooro’s family.
The tentative programme includes:
Wednesday, August 13: Body arrives at Entebbe Airport, received by family and close friends.
Thursday, August 14: Vigil at the late’s home on Ntinda-Bukoto Road.
Friday, August 15: Church service at All Saints Cathedral, Nakasero; subsequent airlift to Bushenyi for service at St. Peter’s Cathedral and vigil at her ancestral home.
Saturday, August 16: Burial ceremony with prayers at 11:00 am and final send-off at 2:00 pm at her final resting place in Bwatogo, Bushenyi District.
The Government of Uganda will provide security at all venues, with the Uganda Police Force overseeing proceedings, including a gun salute at the burial.
Okurut’s life and legacy—as a public servant, literary advocate, and champion for women’s empowerment—will be remembered with profound respect and admiration.
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