President Museveni has granted an official burial to former minister and presidential adviser, Mary Karooro Okurut, who died this week.
Karooro, widely celebrated as one of Uganda’s most influential female authors, passed away leaving behind a distinguished career in public service, politics, and literature.
On Wednesday, the Minister for the Presidency, Milly Babalanda, confirmed the President's official burial for Karooro.
"Dear Friends, I wish to inform you that the President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E. Gen. (Rtd) Kaguta Museveni, has granted an official burial to the late former Minister, Woman MP Bushenyi District, Academician, Author and Presidential Advisor on Public Relations, Hon. Can. Mary Karooro Busingye Okurut, an official burial," Babalanda posted on X (formerly Twitter).
According to Babalanda, the national organising committee will meet with the family of the late former Bushenyi District Woman MP to finalise arrangements.
"Deep commiserations to the family, relatives, in-laws, people of Bushenyi/Teso, Government, Church of Uganda, NRM party, and Ugandans at large on losing such a gifted and patriotic citizen who met her fate in the line of serving the motherland. May Hon. Can. Mary Karooro Okurut's soul rest in eternal peace! Amen!" she said.
Karooro, was a Ugandan politician, academic, and writer.
She served as Minister of Information and National Guidance and later as Minister for General Duties in the Office of the Prime Minister. She also worked as a Presidential Advisor on Public Relations.
Born in Bushenyi District, Karooro was known for her advocacy for education and women’s empowerment.
She authored several works of fiction, poetry, and children’s literature, contributing greatly to Uganda’s literary heritage.
Her writing often reflected themes of identity, resilience, and social justice.
In politics, she was a dedicated member of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and represented Bushenyi District as Woman MP. Beyond politics, she was a committed member of the Church of Uganda and an inspirational figure to young women in leadership.
Karooro leaves behind a legacy of service, intellectual contribution, and cultural influence that will be remembered for generations.