Mary Karooro Okurut, former Cabinet Minister and respected academic, passed away on Monday, August 11, 2025, at 70, leaving a legacy of service in politics and education.
Kampala, Uganda: Uganda has lost one of its most influential voices in literature, politics, and women’s empowerment. Mary Karooro Okurut, former Cabinet Minister and celebrated author, passed away at the age of 70.
Karooro’s passing was confirmed by State Minister for Primary Health Care, Margaret Muhanga, in a post on social media, describing the late as her “bosom buddy,” mentor, and literature teacher.
“With so much pain, grief & 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,” Muhanga wrote.
The Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon Anita Among, also echoed the same eulogy, mourning Karooro in a heartfelt message Monday evening: “On a sad note, I have received the painful news of the passing of the Honourable Mary Karoro Okurut. She served in various Cabinet portfolios, including Labour, General Duties, Security, Information, and National Guidance. Additionally, she was a long-serving Member of Parliament for Bushenyi District.”
“Before her political career, she made significant contributions to academia in Literature and Communications, where her legacy continues to shine brightly. On behalf of @Parliament_Ug and myself, I extend sincere condolences to His Excellency @KagutaMuseveni, her family, relatives, friends, and everyone whose life she touched. May the Lord grant her humble soul eternal rest,” the speaker added.
Born on December 8, 1954, in Bushenyi District, Karooro held a BA, MA, and Diploma in Education from Makerere University. She began her career as a literature lecturer at Makerere University before transitioning into public service in the 1990s.
Her political career included key Cabinet roles such as Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development and Minister for General Duties in the Office of the Prime Minister. She also served as a long-standing Member of Parliament for Bushenyi District.
In the literary sphere, Karooro was the founding force behind the Uganda Women Writers Association (FEMRITE), a platform that nurtured and amplified the voices of generations of Ugandan female authors. Her works, including The Invisible Weevil, The Official Wife, and A Woman’s Voice anthology, explored identity, culture, and social justice.
She was married to the late politician Stanislaus Okurut until his passing in 2014 and was a devoted mother and grandmother who balanced family life with her public duties and mentorship roles.
The family has yet to release a statement regarding the cause of death. Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.
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