Mary Busingye Karoro Okurut, former Minister of General Duties in the Office of the Prime Minister, has died at the age of 70.
She passed away on Monday evening, August 11, 2025.
Her close friend, State Minister for Primary Healthcare Margaret Muhanga, announced the news on her X (formerly Twitter) account, writing:
“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.”
Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda, Rt Hon Anita Annet Among said that Karoro 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”. She remarked.
She added “On behalf of Parliament and myself, I extend sincere condolences to His Excellency President Kaguta Museveni, her family, relatives, friends, and everyone whose life she touched. May the Lord grant her humble soul eternal rest”.
Born on December 8, 1954, in Bushenyi District, Karoro Okurut was an educator, author, and seasoned politician.
She served as Cabinet Minister in Charge of General Duties from June 2016 to 2021.
Prior to that, she was Minister for National Security (2015–2016) and Minister of Gender and Social Issues (2012–2015).
She also represented Bushenyi District as Woman Member of Parliament before losing the 2020 NRM flag bearer race to Annet Katusiime Mugisha, who went on to win the 2021 elections.
Karoro Okurut attended Bweranyangi Primary School, Bweranyangi Girls’ Secondary School, and Trinity College Nabbingo before joining Makerere University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Literature (1977), a Master of Arts in Literature (1981), and a Diploma in Education (1982).
She is remembered for her contribution to literature, public service, and her mentorship to many in Uganda’s political and academic circles.
