Uganda is mourning the passing of Mary Busingye Karooro Okurut, the former Minister for General Duties in the Office of the Prime Minister and long-serving Bushenyi Woman Member of Parliament. She died at the age of 71.
Born on December 8, 1954, in Bushenyi District, Karooro’s life journey took her from the classrooms of Bweranyangi Primary and Bweranyangi Girls’ Senior Secondary School to the political and literary stages of national renown.
She later attended Trinity College, Nabbingo, before enrolling at Makerere University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Literature in 1977 and a Master’s in Drama in 1981.
Her academic brilliance was quickly recognized. Immediately after completing her postgraduate studies, she joined Makerere University’s Department of Literature as a lecturer—a role she held for 17 years until 1993. This dedication to education remained a defining thread throughout her career.
Karooro’s move into public service began in 1994 when she became Press Secretary to the Vice President of Uganda, serving until 1996. She then took up the role of Commissioner at the Education Service Commission in the Ministry of Education from 1996 to 1999.
Her skills in communication and governance led to her appointment as Press Secretary to the President between 1999 and 2004.
In 2004, following the death of Bernadette Bigirwa, Karooro entered elective politics, winning the seat of Bushenyi Woman MP.
She went on to serve three consecutive terms in Parliament until 2020, championing causes close to her heart, particularly women’s rights and education.
Her ministerial record was equally diverseserving as Minister for National Security from March 2015 to June 2016, before being appointed Minister for General Duties in the Office of the Prime Minister, where she also acted as National Coordinator for the Sustainable Development Goals.
Outside politics, Karooro was a prolific novelist and a fearless feminist voice, using her writing to confront social taboos and shed light on the lived experiences of women. She often described herself as “an author, educator, feminist, devoted Christian, and girl child activist” a testament to her deep personal convictions.
From the lecture halls of Makerere to the cabinet meetings at State House, Mary Karooro Okurut’s legacy is one of intellect, courage, and unwavering commitment to the empowerment of women and the pursuit of education for all.
