A lifetime of leadership, love, and legacy — Celebrating a remarkable woman!

Today, we proudly honor and celebrate the life and achievements of Hon Mary Karooro Okurut, a woman whose impact resonates far and wide across communities, institutions, and hearts.

Mom, as you mark another year around the sun, we, your children, join together to reflect on your extraordinary journey—a journey defined by dedication, resilience, and boundless love.

Hon Mary Karooro Okurut celebrating her birthday with her grandchildren.

Born with a passion for service, Hon Karooro embarked on a career as a civil servant, where her unwavering commitment to public welfare shaped countless lives. Mom, your leadership in politics not only charted new paths but also inspired generations, advocating tirelessly for justice and equality.

Beyond the corridors of power, Mom, Mama, mummy, Kaaka, as we fondly call you, you are a pillar of education, shaping young minds with wisdom and compassion. Your role as an educationist left an indelible mark on countless students who have benefited from your guidance and mentorship.

Yet, your influence extends beyond professional realms. As a devoted wife and mother, you are the cornerstone of our family, to those near and dear, kith and kin, nurturing us with boundless love and unwavering support. Your warmth and strength have been our constant source of inspiration, guiding us through life's challenges with grace and courage.

Your philanthropic endeavours have touched countless lives, from embodying your belief in the power of kindness and generosity to uplifting communities through the Ntabiko Crafts Center- under the Karooro Okurut Foundation or through charitable initiatives or personal acts of kindness, mom you have shown us all the true meaning of compassion and empathy.

Hon Mary Karooro Okurut with some of her daughters.

On this special day, we celebrate not just your achievements but the essence of who you are—a woman of integrity, compassion, and resilience. Your legacy is not just in the roles you have held but, in the lives, you have touched, the hearts you have warmed, and the values you have imparted.

We know that in addition to your public service and educational contributions, you are also an accomplished author of novels, some of our favourites being the, the blood brothers, Child of Delegate and everyone’s favourite, the Official wife, your published works stand as monuments of your wisdom and insight, each book offering profound lessons on leadership, forgiveness, and the power of community. Through your writings, you continue to inspire us, your readers to embrace compassion, seek justice, and strive for excellence in all aspects of life.

Mom, we know today isn't easy for you. The transition of Uncle Carter, someone so dear to you and to all of us, weighs heavily on our hearts. Your relationship with him was a testament to your capacity for love and devotion to family, qualities that have always defined you.,

So today, amidst the sombreness, we want you to know how deeply you are cherished and admired. Your legacy of compassion, your unwavering faith, and your profound love for us all shine brighter than any celebration ever could. Your journey, marked by both triumphs and tribulations, is a testament to the extraordinary woman you are.

Hon Mary Karooro Okurut is celebrating her birthday today.

So, Mom, as we gather to Honor your years of a life well-lived, we, your children, grandchildren, and all who have been touched by your light, express our deepest gratitude and love. Here's to a beautiful beacon of strength, wisdom, and love. Happy Birthday, you are one incredible phenomenal woman.

With love and admiration, thank you for the colour you’ve brought into each of our lives.

Your Girls!

Hope, Fiona, Joan, Doey, Alvin, and your Baby - Momo.

PS: Unfortunately, we cannot draw the crooked cartoons that you draw of each of us on every birthday, however, this should pretty much sum it all):

Who is Mary Karooro Okurut

Hon. Mary Karooro Okurut is currently the Senior Presidential Advisor on Public Relations.

She was born on July 12, 1954, and she is a teacher by profession.

She was the wife of the late Stanislas Okurut, a former minister under former President Milton Obote and President Museveni.

Special Interests: Writing, reading, spiritual work.

Education background

• 1982 - Diploma in Education, Makerere University;
• 1981 - Master of Arts in Literature, Makerere University;
• 1977 - Bachelor of Arts in Literature, Makerere University;
• 1973 - Uganda advanced Certificate of Education, Trinity College Nabbingo;
• 1971 - Uganda Certificate of Education, Bweranyangi Girls Senior Secondary School

Professional Career

• 2016–2021 – Minister in Charge of General Duties, Office of the Prime Minister
• April 2020 - President Museveni appointed Okurut to take charge of the Covid-19 Government Fund.
• 2015-2016 – Minister for Security 
• 2012-2015 – Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development
• 2011-2012 – Minister of Information and National Guidance
• 1981-1994 – Lecturer at the Department of Literature, Makerere University
• 1997 – Press Secretary to the Vice President
• 1998-2000 – Commissioner at the Education Service Commission.
• 2001-2004 – President Museveni appointed Karooro Okurut as the Presidential Private Press Secretary
• 2002-2021 – Woman Member of Parliament, Bushenyi District
• Karooro also served as the Chairperson of FEMRITE (Uganda Women Writers Association), while she was a columnist for The Monitor in 2001

Mary Karooro Okurut has authored several books/novels including; The Curse of the Sacred Cow, The Invisible Weevil, The Official Wife, The Switch, The Man Who Ate His Eye and The Adventurous Sisters.