The Government of Uganda has announced that former Minister and senior presidential advisor Canon Mary Busingye Karooro Okurut will be accorded an official burial, following a directive from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
In a statement issued by the Minister for the Presidency, Milly Babirye Babalanda, the government hailed Karooro Okurut as an “illustrious champion of affirmative action” and a dedicated patriot who championed women’s empowerment.
Karooro Okurut passed away on Monday, August 11, 2025, at Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya.
She was celebrated for her distinguished service as a politician, educator, writer, and advocate for gender equality.
Her political career included serving as MP for Bushenyi District Woman Constituency (2006–2021) and holding several ministerial posts, including Minister of Information, Minister of Gender, Minister for Security, and Minister for General Duties.
She also led Uganda’s COVID-19 National Task Force in 2020.
A prolific author and co-founder of FEMRITE, she wrote several books, including The Invisible Weevil.
Her official burial, which will include a gun salute, at her ancestral home in Bwatogo, Bushenyi District on Saturday 16 August,2025.
Report by: Betty Zziwa
