Former Minister for General Duties in the Office of the Prime Minister and former Bushenyi Woman MP Mary Karooro Okurut has died.
Her death was announced by the State Minister for Primary Health Care, Margaret Muhanga.
In a post on X, Muhanga said: "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 ????????????."
Mary Busingye Karooro Okurut was born on 8 December 1954 in Bushenyi District, Uganda.
Okurut, who was an educator, author, and politician, attended Bweranyangi Primary School and Bweranyangi Girls’ Senior Secondary School. After completing her A levels at Trinity College, Nabbingo, she joined Makerere University, where she obtained a BA in Literature in 1977 and an MA in Drama in 1981.
She lectured in the Department of Literature at Makerere University from 1981 to 1993.
Okurut served as Press Secretary to the Vice-President of Uganda from 1994 to 1996. Between 1996 and 1999, she was Commissioner in the Education Service Commission within the Ministry of Education. She later served as Press Secretary to the President of Uganda from 1999 to 2004.
In 2004, she entered elective politics, serving as Bushenyi District Woman MP from 2004, following the death of Bernadette Bigirwa, until 2020, completing three terms.
She also served as Minister for Security, Minister in Charge of General Duties, and National Coordinator for the Sustainable Development Goals agenda.
