KAMPALA, Uganda — Parliament Speaker Anita Annet Among has paid tribute to former Minister Mary Karooro Okurut, who passed away aged 71 on Monday, August 11, 2025, close family friends have confirmed..
Among’s tribute, shared on social media, recognized the late minister’s extensive contributions to both politics and academia.
In her statement, Among highlighted Okurut’s long and distinguished career in public service. “On a sad note, I have received the painful news of the passing of the Honourable Mary Karoro Okurut. She served in various Cabinet portfolios, including Labour, General Duties, Security, Information, and National Guidance,” Among said on X.
“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,” Among added.
Mary Karooro Okurut was a distinguished Ugandan educator, author, and politician whose career spanned several decades, leaving a significant legacy in both literature and public service.
Early life and academic career
Born on December 8, 1954, in Bushenyi District, Okurut’s educational journey led her to Makerere University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Literature in 1977 and a Master of Arts in Literature in 1981.
She later obtained a Diploma in Education from the same institution. She began her professional career as a lecturer in Makerere University’s Department of Literature, a position she held until 1993.
Contributions to Ugandan literature
Prior to her political career, Okurut was a pioneering figure in Ugandan literature, most notably as a writer and as the founder of the Uganda Women Writers Association (FEMRITE). This organization has been instrumental in promoting women’s writing in Uganda and has gained international recognition.
Her published works include the novels The Invisible Weevil (1998) and The Official Wife, as well as editing A Woman’s Voice, a collection of short stories by Ugandan women writers.
Political and public service
Okurut’s public service career began in the Office of the President, where she served as press secretary to the Vice President from 1994 to 1996 and later as press secretary to President Museveni from 1999 to 2004.
She entered elective politics in 2004, winning the seat for the Bushenyi District Women’s Constituency, which she held for several terms.
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During her time in government, she held several high-profile ministerial portfolios, including:
- Minister of Information and National Guidance
- Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development
- Minister for National Security
- Minister in Charge of General Duties in the Office of the Prime Minister
In addition to these roles, she was appointed to chair Uganda’s national COVID-19 task force. At the time of her death, she was serving as a Senior Presidential Advisor on Public Relations.
Personal life and passing
Mary Karooro Okurut was married to Stanislaus Okurut, who passed away in 2014. She was a mother of eight children. She passed away on Monday, August 11, 2025, at the age of 70, reportedly following injuries sustained in a road accident.
