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Fallen MP Karooro's body leaves church service
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By Our Reporter
Bushenyi
Bushenyi District Council has resolved to name the district’s main stadium in honour of the late Mary Karooro Okurut. The decision was passed during a special council session held on Friday, August 15, 2025, at the District Council Hall. Karooro, a former Minister and Woman Member of Parliament for Bushenyi District, died on Monday, August 10, at Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi, where she had been receiving treatment for injuries sustained in a road accident a month earlier while returning from a consultative meeting in Nebbi District.
Some of the Bushenyi leaders attending the council session yesterday
The motion to rename the stadium was tabled by Edward Mpabwa, the Secretary for Social Services and Councillor for Kyamuhunga Town Council, and was unanimously supported by the entire council. The session was presided over by District Speaker Douglas Mucunguzi.
Former RDC Rwakifaari Peter Kibondo gives speech in the council meeting
District LC5 Chairperson Jaffari Basajjabalaba praised Karooro as an exemplary leader who regularly attended district council sessions in her capacity as an ex-official.
“As you all know, MPs attend councils as ex-officials, but some MPs we had at the time would miss. For her, she never missed and would sometimes guide us on how to run council matters,” Basajjabalaba said.
Bushenyi Woman Member of Parliament Annet Katusiime Mugisha described Karooro as a trailblazer for women in leadership. “Karooro was a woman of substance who touched people’s lives, a religious woman who most of the time would begin her speeches with a scripture. She was a wonderful communicator we admired greatly. We shall forever miss her,” Katusiime said.
Katusiime noted that Karooro’s political journey inspired many women to take up leadership roles.
“Mary Karooro Okurut was my predecessor. We know that politics was a male-dominated environment, yet she was among the few gallant women in this country who dared to lay the foundation on which the rest of us stand today. The way she carried herself and the respect she extended to all those she encountered, through sweat, hard work, boldness, fearlessness, and kindness, set standards that cannot go unnoticed. I am very grateful to the Almighty God for according her grace, and we thank the government for according her an official burial,” she added.
Bushenyi woman MP Annet Katusiime, who suceeded Karooro with Raphael Magyezi (second right) attending the special council session. They resolved to name district stadium after Mary Karooro Okurut
Basajjabalaba further described Karooro as a devoted public servant and mentor to many politicians.
“She was our leader, a devoted public servant who even mentored some of us to be better politicians. We are very sorry for the family for the loss of such a big pillar. She has been guiding us on how to proceed and was one of the key pillars of the NRM in this district. As a council, we have decided that Bushenyi Main Stadium should be named Mary Karooro Stadium because she has done a lot for Bushenyi,” he said.
Minister of Local Government Raphael Magyezi commended the district council for holding a special sitting to honour Karooro. “Naming that stadium after Mary Karooro Okurut is a good proposal. The development of the stadium is part of a national programme. We have to look at the status of the stadium, other facilities, and accessibility,” Magyezi said.
He added that Bushenyi Stadium could complement Kakyeka Stadium in Mbarara as a regional sports facility. “Even if Kakyeka Stadium became a national-level stadium, it would still need a sub-stadium. If you have four to six teams in this region, one could be hosted here in Bushenyi. It’s a nice proposal,” he said.
Torch Media Africa
