KAMPALA
Former Minister for General Duties in the Office of the Prime Minister and ex-Minister of National Security, Hon. Busingye Mary Karoro Okurut, has died at the age of 71.
Karoro, a celebrated educator, author, and politician, breathed her last on Monday, August 11, 2025. A family source told Parrots Media that she had been unwell in recent months. last month,
Karoro was involved in a road accident and yesterday (Sunday 10th August), she was rushed to Nairobi Kenya for medical care, unfortunately, she died.
“With so much pain, grief, and sorrow, I announce the death of my ‘bosom buddy’ Mary Karooro Okurut,” Minister Margaret Muhanga said in a heartfelt tribute. “My literature teacher, my mentor, my very close buddy, my world, my all. So painful to imagine. This is a sting I’ll never forget. May the angels receive her in glory.”
Born on December 8, 1954, Karoro was best known for her contributions to Uganda’s political and literary landscape. She authored several books, including The Curse of the Sacred Cow, which is taught in the Ugandan secondary school curriculum. She also wrote The Invisible Weevil (1998) and The Official Wife, among others.
Karoro was the founder of the Uganda Women Writers Association (FEMRITE), which has gained international recognition. Through FEMRITE, she mentored writers, including Caine Prize winner Arach Monica de Nyeko.
She served as Minister for General Duties from June 6, 2016, until 2021. Prior to that, she was Minister of National Security (2015–2016) and Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development (2012–2015). She was also the Bushenyi District Woman MP until 2021, when she lost the NRM flag bearer race to Annet Katusiime Mugisha.
Karoro was married to the late Hon. Stanislaus Okurut, with whom she had eight children; five boys and three girls.
She attended Bweranyangi Primary School, Bweranyangi Girls’ Secondary School, and Trinity College Nabbingo before joining Makerere University. She graduated with a BA in Literature in 1977, an MA in Literature in 1981, and a Diploma in Education in 1982.
For many, Karoro was known as a teacher, politician, and champion of women’s voices in literature.
Karoro was involved in a road accident and yesterday (Sunday 10th August), she was rushed to Nairobi Kenya for medical care, unfortunately, she died. Funeral arrangements and further details of her death will be communicated. MHSRIP
