President Grants Official Burial to Former Minister Mary Karooro Okurut
President Yoweri Museveni has approved an official burial for the late Canon Mary Karooro Busingye Okurut, a former Minister, Bushenyi District Woman MP, academician, author, and Presidential Advisor on Public Relations.
The announcement came from Minister for the Presidency Milly Babalanda, who said the National Organizing Committee will work with the family to finalize arrangements.
“Deep commiserations to the family, relatives, in-laws, the people of Bushenyi and Teso, the Government, Church of Uganda, the NRM party, and Ugandans at large on the loss of such a gifted and patriotic citizen who met her fate in the line of serving the motherland,” Babalanda stated.
Mary Karooro Okurut’s death was first shared by State Minister for Primary Healthcare Margaret Muhanga, who paid an emotional tribute.
“With so much pain, grief, and sorrow, I announce the death of my ‘bosom buddy’ Mary Karoro 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 said.
Karooro Okurut had a long and distinguished career in politics and education. She served as Cabinet Minister in Charge of General Duties in the Office of the Prime Minister from June 2016, Minister for National Security from March 2015, and Minister of Gender and Social Issues from 2012 to 2015. She was known for her leadership, dedication to women’s empowerment, and commitment to national development.
She also represented Bushenyi District as Woman MP, where she was a vocal advocate for her community and a role model for aspiring female leaders. In the 2020 NRM primaries, she lost the party flag to Annet Katusiime Mugisha, who later won the seat in 2021.
Mary Karooro Okurut will be remembered as a trailblazer in politics and education, leaving a legacy as a mentor, leader, and visionary that will continue to inspire future generations.
