President Yoweri Museveni has approved an official burial for the late former Minister, Bushenyi District Woman MP, academician, author, and Senior Presidential Advisor on Public Relations, Hon. Can. Mary Karooro Busingye Okurut.
Okurut passed away on Monday at the age of 71. Minister of Presidency Milly Babirye Babalanda conveyed the President’s announcement, noting that the National Organizing Committee (N.O.C.) will meet with the family to finalize burial arrangements.
Minister Babalanda extended condolences to Okurut’s family, relatives, in-laws, the people of Bushenyi and Teso, the Government, Church of Uganda, NRM Party, and all Ugandans, praising her as a gifted and patriotic citizen who served the motherland with distinction.
Parliamentarians honored Okurut’s life and legacy, celebrating her as a prolific writer, dedicated public servant, and passionate advocate for education and women’s rights.
During her political career, Okurut held several high-profile positions, including Cabinet Minister for General Duties in the Office of the Prime Minister, Minister of Security, and Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development (2012–2015).
She represented Bushenyi District in Parliament from 2006 until 2021, when she lost her seat to Annet Katusiime. In July 2021, President Museveni appointed her Senior Presidential Advisor on Public Relations, a role she held until her passing.
Defence and Veteran Affairs Minister Jacob Oboth described her as “one of Uganda’s most distinguished writers,” adding, “Her pen inspired and educated, and her humor and warmth will be deeply missed.”
Tororo District Woman MP Sarah Opendi called her a mentor and tireless champion for women and girls, while former Energy Minister Irene Muloni praised her unwavering commitment to Uganda.
Born on December 8, 1954, in Bushenyi District, Okurut attended Bweranyangi Primary and Girls’ Secondary Schools and Trinity College Nabbingo before earning a Bachelor of Arts in Literature (1977), a Master’s degree (1981), and a Diploma in Education (1982) from Makerere University.
She began her career as a lecturer in the Department of Literature at Makerere in 1981.
Okurut’s public service began in 1994 as Press Secretary to the Vice President, followed by roles as Commissioner at the Education Service Commission (1996–1999) and Press Secretary to the President (1999–2004).
A literary trailblazer, she founded the Uganda Women Writers Association (FEMRITE), which gained global recognition and nurtured Caine Prize winner Monica Arach de Nyeko in 2007.
Her notable works include The Invisible Weevil (1998), The Official Wife, and A Woman’s Voice (1998), alongside children’s books and plays that left a lasting mark on Ugandan literature.
Okurut also served on the Board of Trustees of Valley University of Science and Technology in Bushenyi. She was married to Hon. Stanislaus Okurut until his passing in 2014 and is survived by eight children, five sons and three daughters.
Her legacy as a writer, educator, and public servant continues to inspire, cementing her status as a pivotal figure in Uganda’s history.
