Kampala, Uganda – The Western Uganda region is enduring a profoundly sorrowful period as it mourns the passing of several distinguished figures, each of whom left an indelible mark on their communities.
Among them was former Minister Mary Karooro Okurut, a celebrated author, women’s rights advocate, and long-serving political leader whose death has sent shockwaves across the nation.
The untimely passing of Hon. Mary Karooro Okurut former Minister for General Duties in the Office of the Prime Minister and former Bushenyi Woman MP was announced by her close friend and colleague, State Minister for Primary Healthcare, Hon. Margaret Muhanga.
In a heartfelt tribute on X (formerly Twitter), Muhanga described Okurut as her “bosom buddy,” mentor, and literary inspiration, expressing deep grief over the loss.
“With so much pain, grief & sorrow, I announce the death of my ‘bosom buddy’ Mary Karooro Okurut. My literature teacher, my mentor, my very close buddy, my world, my all. So painful to imagine. This is a sting I’ll never forget. May the angels receive her in glory,” Muhanga wrote.
Okurut, whose cause of death remains undisclosed, was born on December 8, 1954, in Bushenyi District. She rose to become a towering figure in Ugandan politics, literature, and women’s empowerment, leaving behind a powerful legacy of advocacy and leadership.
Her death compounds Western Uganda’s grief following other recent losses, including respected businessman and philanthropist Dr. James Garuga Musinguzi, who died on August 6, 2025, at Nakasero Hospital after a battle with cancer.
At 72, Musinguzi had fought throat cancer for nearly two decades while remaining a dedicated entrepreneur, community leader, and champion of social justice and economic development, as remembered by his family and friends.
Just a day before Musinguzi’s passing, the region also lost John Alinaitwe, a veteran educator and retired principal of Core Primary Teachers’ Colleges (PTCs), who died at 69 after a prolonged illness.
Alinaitwe dedicated over three decades to shaping Uganda’s teacher education system, earning widespread respect for his contributions.
Adding to the sorrow was the tragic death of Hon. Denmark Adious Beinomugisha, a young and ambitious politician from the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF).
At just 29, Beinomugisha had declared his intention to run for Member of Parliament for Mbarara City South before his life was cut short in a fatal accident.
He died on August 6 after falling down a staircase at the Grand Holiday Hotel in Mbarara City, succumbing to severe head trauma and internal injuries.
As Western Uganda grapples with these successive losses, tributes continue to pour in from leaders, colleagues, and citizens who honor the departed for their immense contributions.
Funerals and memorial services are being held across the region, offering moments to reflect on their enduring legacies.
Though their absence leaves a void, their impact on politics, education, business, and social justice will live on in the hearts of those they inspired.