President Museveni hails Karooro as prolific writer and patriotic leader

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Hundreds of mourners gathered at Bushenyi main stadium in Bushenyi district on Saturday, August 16, 2025, to bid farewell to former minister and Bushenyi district woman MP, Mary Karooro Okurut.

Karooro, who passed away on August 10, 2025, at Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya, was remembered as a religious woman who often began her speeches with scripture and passionately championed women’s rights.

Representing the President at the funeral, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa delivered a message from President Yoweri Museveni, who praised Karooro’s legacy.

“Hon. Karooro was a prolific writer, an educator, a mentor, and a national leader. She was a good legislator and served in different ministerial portfolios. The NRM party has lost a strong cadre. I salute her patriotic contribution to Uganda’s development and socio-economic transformation,” Museveni said.

Karooro, who passed away on August 10, 2025, at Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya, was remembered as a religious woman who often began her speeches with scripture and passionately championed women’s rights. (Courtesy photo)

The President extended his condolences to the bereaved family.

“I commiserate with the family and relatives of the late Hon. Mary Karooro Okurut. I pray that God grants you courage and strength during this trying moment. Although she has departed from our midst, the beautiful memories she shared with us will live forever. May her soul rest in eternal peace,” he added.

Bushenyi district NRM chairperson, Hassan Basajjabalaba, who was also a close friend of Karooro, used the occasion to call for the introduction of a national health insurance scheme to reduce the financial burden of medical expenses on families.

Other dignitaries present at the burial included agriculture minister Frank Tumwebaze, animal husbandry state minister Bright Rwamirama, former Prime Minister Dr Ruhakana Rugunda, and microfinance state minister Haruna Kasolo, among others.

Karooro was laid to rest at her ancestral home in Bwatogo cell, Central Division, Bushenyi Ishaka Municipality, where she was accorded full honours, including a 21-gun salute.

Her elder brother, Prof Emmanuel Karooro, praised her for supporting vulnerable girls through skills training.

The government also pledged to complete her unfinished projects, including a multi-billion-shilling reusable sanitary pads factory located in Katungu cell, Nyakabirizi Division, Bushenyi Ishaka Municipality.

The factory, under the Mary Karooro Okurut Foundation, was established four years ago to produce affordable reusable pads for girls who cannot afford disposable ones.

The Bishop of West Ankole Diocese, Rt. Rev. Johnson Twinomujuni, who led the burial service, commended Karooro for her contribution to the church and the nation.

“Mary has left a great legacy for her country. She was not only a leader but also a woman of faith who dedicated her life to serving God and humanity,” Bishop Twinomujuni said.

Former premier Dr Ruhakana Rugunda, who worked closely with Karooro in government, praised her as a hardworking public servant who put her country first.

“While serving in the Office of the Prime Minister, Mary diligently supervised UN agencies that reported to her. Under her leadership, Uganda received significant funding and support. She also oversaw and coordinated the COVID-19 relief programme, ensuring accountability for more than Shs56 billion,” Rugunda said.

He added that Karooro was a dependable colleague and a patriotic leader whose integrity and work ethic will be remembered for generations.