By Ben Musanje
The death of veteran Ugandan playwright, actor, author and cultural icon Alex Mukulu has prompted President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to accord him an official burial, in recognition of a career that spanned more than five decades and left a lasting mark on Uganda’s arts and cultural landscape.
Mukulu died on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Lubaga Hospital in Kampala, aged 72.
Announcing the decision on August 18, Minister for the Presidency Milly Babirye Babalanda said President Museveni had directed that Mukulu be accorded an official burial in recognition of his contribution to the country.
The decision was made under Article 99 of the 1995 Constitution, as amended, which vests executive authority in the President.
But what exactly prompted the President to grant Mukulu the honour?
According to the official statement issued by the Minister for Presidency Milly Babiry Babalanda, Mukulu was regarded by the Government as more than an accomplished artist. He was described as a patriot and a citizen whose work contributed to Uganda’s cultural identity and national story.
Born on August 15, 1954, at Miseba in Ssingo County to Paul Kayizzi and Victoria Ndagire, Mukulu came from a family with historical links to Buganda. His mother was the daughter of Prince Yokana Kimbugwe of Lungujja in present-day Wakiso District.
He attended Kololo Secondary School and Caltec Academy before joining Makerere University, where he studied Music, Dance and Drama.
Mukulu began his creative career in the early 1970s as a playwright, producing works that became part of Uganda’s theatrical heritage.
Among his notable plays were Muzukullu wa Kabangala, released in 1977, Springs of Tears in 1979 and Gwanga Mujje in 1985.
His contribution, however, extended beyond the theatre.
In 1993, Mukulu authored 30 Years of Bananas, a book published by Oxford University Press, further establishing him as a writer and commentator on Ugandan society.
He also became known for his work as an actor, director, musician and analyst, with his influence extending across several areas of Uganda’s creative industry.
One of the defining moments of his career came in 2007 when he directed the performance at the opening of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Kampala.
The performance, titled Journey to Self-Realization, was presented before an international audience at an event that placed Uganda’s cultural heritage on the global stage.
The Government also highlighted Mukulu’s record of patriotism. He was decorated with an Independence Medal, an honour that further underscored his contribution to the country.
Babalanda said Mukulu consistently demonstrated values of integrity, patriotism, dedication and creativity throughout his career.
It is this combination of artistic achievement, national service and patriotism that appears to have informed the decision to accord him an official burial.
“The Government of Uganda sincerely commiserates with the bereaved family, the Artists and members of the Cultural fraternity and all Ugandans upon the loss of an illustrious and dedicated Citizen,” Babalanda said in the statement.
She added that Mukulu would be missed not only by those who knew and worked with him but also by generations of Ugandans who drew inspiration from his work.
A national farewell
The official burial means Mukulu’s final journey will be organised with the participation of the Government, his family and representatives of the cultural and artistic community.
A hybrid National Organising Committee has been established under the chairmanship of Babalanda, with representation from Mukulu’s family.
The programme began on Tuesday, August 18, when his body lay at the Uganda National Cultural Centre (UNCC) National Theatre in Kampala, allowing artists and members of the cultural community to pay their last respects.
A requiem service is scheduled for Wednesday, August 19, at Namirembe Cathedral, followed by an official vigil at his home in Bulange-Mengo.
On Thursday, August 20, mourners will gather at Kijabijjo on Gayaza Road in Wakiso District for eulogies, prayers and the burial ceremonies.
Mukulu’s official burial therefore serves not only as a state recognition of an individual artist but also as an acknowledgement of the role of Uganda’s creative sector in shaping the country’s cultural identity.
His career, which began in the theatre of the 1970s and extended into literature, film, music, performance and national cultural events, made him one of the notable figures in Uganda’s arts industry.
President Museveni’s decision to accord him an official burial is consequently a recognition of a life that the Government says was defined by creativity, patriotism and service to Uganda.
Mukulu leaves behind a body of work that spans generations—and a legacy that the Government now seeks to honour with a national farewell. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
