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Family and friends bid farewell to the fallen politician Karooro
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Bushenyi
Hundreds of mourners on Saturday, August 16, 2025, gathered at Bushenyi Main Stadium in Bushenyi District to pay their last respects to former minister and Bushenyi District Woman MP, Hon. Mary Karooro Okurut. Karooro, who passed away on Monday, August 10, 2025, at Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya, was remembered as a devout Christian who often began her speeches with scripture and as a passionate advocate for women’s rights.
Representing the President at the funeral, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa delivered a condolence 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.
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, a close friend of Karooro, used the occasion to call for the introduction of a national health insurance scheme to ease the financial burden of medical expenses on families. 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, Professor Emmanuel Karooro, praised her for supporting vulnerable girls through skills training.
Government pledged to complete her unfinished projects, including a multi-billion-shilling reusable sanitary pads factory located in Katungu Cell, Nyakabirizi Division, Bushenyi–Ishaka Municipality. Established under the Mary Karooro Okurut Foundation four years ago, the factory was set up 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 Prime Minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, who worked closely with Karooro in government, described her as a hardworking public servant who always 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. Other dignitaries present included State Minister for Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Bright Rwamirama; ICT and National Guidance Minister Frank Tumwebaze; and State Minister for Microfinance Haruna Kasolo, among others.
Torch Media Africa
