By Mary Busingye Karooro Okurut, a distinguished educator, celebrated author, and veteran public servant, has passed away at the age of 70. Born on 8 December 1954 in Bushenyi District, she passed earlier this week after a period of illness. Her death was announced by former student and Minister, Margaret Muhanga, who described Okurut as “my literature teacher, my mentor, my very close buddy… my world”.
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A scholar by training, Okurut earned her BA (1977), MA (1981), and Diploma in Education (1982) in Literature from Makerere University. She then served as a literature lecturer at Makerere until 1993, before transitioning to various government roles Press Secretary to the Vice President (1994–1996), Commissioner at the Education Service Commission (1996–1999), and Press Secretary to the President (1999–2004).
Okurut entered elective politics as Bushenyi District Woman MP, serving from 2004 to 2021. During her parliamentary tenure, she held multiple cabinet positions: Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development (2012–2015); Minister of National Security (2015–2016); and Minister for General Duties in the Office of the Prime Minister (2016–2021. In 2021, she was appointed Senior Presidential Advisor on Public Relation.
In literary and civic advocacy, Okurut was a pioneer. She founded the Uganda Women Writers Association (FEMRITE), a platform that nurtured Uganda’s female literary talent, including Caine Prize-winner Monica Arac de Nyeko. Among her notable published works are the novels The Invisible Weevil (1998) and The Official Wife (2003), as well as the anthology A Woman’s Voice (1998), which spotlighted Ugandan women’s fiction.
Okurut is remembered for her unwavering commitment to education, gender empowerment, and literary expression. Her multifaceted career bridged academia, creative writing, government, and mentorship.
She is survived by eight children—five sons and three daughters—and several grandchildren. Her husband, Stanislaus Okurut, passed away in April 2014. Details of funeral arrangements are expected to be released in due course.
Mary Karooro Okurut’s passing marks the loss of one of Uganda’s most influential voices—a woman whose legacy continues to inspire in both pen and policy.
