Uganda is mourning the death of Mary Busingye Karooro Okurut, a trailblazing Cabinet minister, celebrated author, and tireless advocate for women’s empowerment, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 70.
The news was confirmed by Ibanda North Member of Parliament Margaret Muhanga, who shared an emotional tribute on X (formerly Twitter).
“With so much pain, grief and sorrow, I announce the death of my ‘bosom buddy’ Mary Karooro Okurut. 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.”
Her passing has triggered an outpouring of condolences from political leaders, the literary community, academia, and ordinary Ugandans whose lives she touched through decades of public service and cultural leadership.
Early Life and Education
Mary Busingye Karooro Okurut was born on 8 December 1954 in Bushenyi District in western Uganda. She attended Bweranyangi Primary School and later Bweranyangi Girls’ Secondary School for her O-Level education, before joining Trinity College Nabbingo for her A-Levels.
She proceeded to Makerere University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Literature in 1977, followed by a Master’s degree in Literature in 1981 and a Postgraduate Diploma in Education in 1982. Her academic achievements cemented her reputation as a scholar with a deep love for literature and education.
Academic and Civil Service Career
Okurut began her career as a literature lecturer at Makerere University in 1981, where she taught for more than a decade, shaping the minds of future writers, journalists, and leaders.
In 1994, she was appointed Press Secretary to the Vice President, marking her entry into public administration. She went on to serve as a Commissioner at the Education Service Commission (1996–1999) and later as Press Secretary to the President (1999–2004), where she was known for her eloquence, discipline, and integrity.
Political Career
In 2004, she joined elective politics as the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Woman Member of Parliament for Bushenyi District, later representing Sheema District when it was carved out.
Her Cabinet appointments included:
- Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development (2012–2015) — championing social welfare programmes and policies to uplift vulnerable groups.
- Minister for National Security (March–June 2015) — overseeing critical aspects of Uganda’s internal security.
- Minister for General Duties, Office of the Prime Minister (June 2016–2021) — coordinating inter-ministerial programmes and national priorities.
In 2021, President Yoweri Museveni appointed her Senior Presidential Advisor on Public Relations, a position she held until her death.
Literary Contributions and FEMRITE
Okurut was also a prolific author and a pioneering force in Uganda’s literary landscape. In 1995, she founded the Uganda Women Writers Association (FEMRITE), which became a launching pad for numerous Ugandan women authors, including Caine Prize winner Monica Arac de Nyeko.
Her published works include the novels The Invisible Weevil (1998), The Official Wife, and the short story anthology A Woman’s Voice (1998), among other literary and children’s works. Her writing often explored themes of identity, gender, and social transformation, and she used her platform to amplify women’s perspectives in literature.
Legacy and Tributes
Colleagues and protégés describe Okurut as a woman of remarkable intellect, compassion, and courage — equally at ease in the corridors of power as she was in the company of aspiring writers. She was widely respected for her mentorship, having nurtured countless young leaders, journalists, and authors.
Her death is seen as a major loss to Uganda’s political, educational, and literary spheres. Tributes have poured in from all sectors, reflecting the breadth of her influence.
Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced by her family.
Mary Karooro Okurut is survived by her husband, Hon. Andrew Okurut, and their children. She leaves behind a legacy of service, scholarship, and storytelling that will continue to inspire generations.
