A family tribute
Bushenyi, Uganda · 1954–2025

Mary
Karooro
Okurut

A teacher, writer, leader, and the heart of our family. Her life moved between the page and the people she loved, leaving a story we are still learning how to tell.

Written with love by Riza Mukasa
Meet her family Explore her books
Mary Karooro Okurut at the 2014 Girl Summit in London
Mary at the Girl Summit, 2014. Marisol Grandon / UK DFID · CC BY 2.0
1954–2025A life of purpose
BushenyiHer home and resting place
Writer & teacherPublic leader and mentor
Her story

A life shaped
by stories.

Mary Busingye Karooro Okurut was born in Bushenyi, western Uganda. She studied literature at Makerere University, earning her bachelor's and master's degrees before completing a Diploma in Education. In 1981, she returned to Makerere as a lecturer, sharing her love of language with generations of students.

She believed women deserved room to tell their own stories. As a founding member of FEMRITE, the Uganda Women Writers Association, she helped build that room for writers across the country. Her own books explored family, power, culture, and the choices that shape a life.

Public service took her from the classroom into government, where she served as a Bushenyi representative and in several ministerial roles. Through every chapter, she remained a teacher and a writer: someone who knew that words can open doors, preserve memory, and bring people closer.

“Her stories will keep finding their way into the hands and hearts of new readers.”
At home

The people
she called family.

To us, she was Kaaka: a grandmother, mother, and source of steady love. These family photographs were shared publicly in celebration of her life.

Mary celebrating with her grandchildrenCourtesy photo, published by New Vision
Mary with some of her daughtersCourtesy photo, published by New Vision
A celebration with familyCourtesy photo, published by New Vision
Together outside the family homeCourtesy photo, published by New Vision
A quiet moment at homeCourtesy photo, published by New Vision
A few milestones

Many chapters.
One remarkable life.

From the hills of Bushenyi to lecture halls, Parliament, and the lives of readers.

Born in Bushenyi District, western Uganda.

Studied literature and education at Makerere University.

Taught in Makerere University's Department of Literature.

Helped establish FEMRITE and championed women's writing in Uganda.

Represented Bushenyi in Parliament and served Uganda in several ministerial roles.

Passed away in Nairobi on 11 August. She was laid to rest in Bushenyi, the home she loved.

The written legacy

She gave many voices a place on the page.

Mary's novels and collections made room for complicated women, changing communities, and the questions a society has to face. As a mentor and a founder of FEMRITE, she helped other Ugandan women write their own way into the record.

The Invisible WeevilThe Official WifeThe Curse of the Sacred CowA Woman's Voice