By The body of former minister, author, and long-serving legislator Mary Karooro Okurut arrived in Uganda early Thursday morning, received at Entebbe International Airport by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa.
President Yoweri Museveni has granted her an official burial, describing her as “a dedicated public servant and outstanding citizen whose work left a lasting impact on Uganda.” Minister for the Presidency Milly Babalanda confirmed the presidential directive and said a National Organising Committee has been formed to work with the family in preparing the send-off.
Karooro, 70, passed away on August 11, 2025, at Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya, where she had been receiving treatment following a serious road accident in Nebbi last month. She suffered a broken pelvic bone, was first admitted to Nakasero Hospital, and later airlifted to Nairobi, but succumbed to her injuries.
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Her death has drawn tributes from leaders across the political divide. Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among praised her as “a trailblazer in communications and academia,” while colleagues and residents of her home district of Bushenyi remembered her as a unifying figure and mentor whose compassion touched many. Locals recalled her commitment to community projects, including a planned sanitary pad factory and skilling centre—initiatives they hope will be completed in her honour.
Born on December 8, 1954, Karooro combined political service with a distinguished career in education and literature. She lectured in English Literature at Makerere University from 1981 before joining public administration as Press Secretary to both the Vice-President and later the President, and as Commissioner at the Education Service Commission.
She entered elective politics in 2004, becoming the Bushenyi District Woman MP, and went on to serve in several Cabinet portfolios—Minister of Information and National Guidance, Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Minister for National Security, and Minister of General Duties in the Office of the Prime Minister. In April 2020, she was appointed to head Uganda’s COVID-19 National Task Force.
Beyond politics, Karooro was a celebrated writer of novels, poetry, and children’s books, and co-founded FEMRITE, the Uganda Women Writers Association. She was widely recognised for her work in promoting women’s empowerment and Uganda’s literary heritage.
At the time of her death, she had resigned as Senior Presidential Advisor on Public Relations and declared her intention to contest for the position of Member of Parliament for the Elderly constituency in Western Uganda.
The National Organising Committee is finalising the burial programme, which will feature a vigil at her Ntinda-Bukoto home, a funeral service at All Saints Cathedral, Nakasero, and prayers in Bushenyi before her burial at her ancestral home in Bwatogo. The ceremony will include full national honours, a gun salute, and ceremonial protocols befitting her distinguished service.
