The late Alex Mukulu
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I The late legendary Ugandan playwright, actor, musician and cultural icon Alex Mukulu has been accorded an official burial by the Government of Uganda, with President Yoweri Museveni directing that the veteran artiste be honoured with a state-sanctioned funeral.
The announcement was made by Minister for the Presidency Babirye Milly Babalanda, who said Museveni had invoked Article 99 of the Constitution, which vests executive authority in the President, to grant Mukulu an official burial.
Mukulu, who died at Lubaga Hospital in Kampala on Saturday, August 15, 2026, aged 72, was described by government as an illustrious and dedicated Ugandan whose contribution to the arts, film and cultural industry had inspired generations.
“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.
She said Mukulu’s contribution extended beyond his work as a playwright and actor, noting that throughout his career he demonstrated integrity, patriotism, dedication and creativity.
Born on August 15, 1954, at Miseba in Ssingo County to Paul Kayizzi and Victoria Ndagire, Mukulu attended Kololo Secondary School and Caltec Academy before joining Makerere University, where he studied Music, Dance and Drama.
He began his creative career in the early 1970s and authored several notable plays, including “Muzukullu wa Kabangala”, “Springs of Tears” and “Gwanga Mujje”. In 1993, he authored “30 Years of Bananas”, published by Oxford University Press.
Mukulu also directed the performance at the opening of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Kampala in 2007, under the theme “Journey to Self-Realization”. His contribution to Uganda was further recognised when he was decorated with an Independence Medal.
Following the official burial decision, government constituted a hybrid National Organising Committee chaired by Babalanda, with representatives from Mukulu’s family, to coordinate the funeral arrangements.
The final programme began on Tuesday, August 18, when Mukulu’s body lay at the UNCC National Theatre from 2pm to 6pm to allow artists and members of the cultural community to pay their last respects. The body was then returned to A’Plus Funeral Home in Mengo.
On Wednesday, August 19, mourners are scheduled to attend a Requiem Service at Namirembe Cathedral at 2pm, followed by an official vigil at Mukulu’s home in Bulange–Mengo from 5pm.
The burial ceremonies will take place on Thursday, August 20, at Kijabijjo Road, Gayaza, Wakiso District. The programme provides for eulogies and prayers at 10am, followed by the burial ceremonies at 2pm.
Babalanda said Mukulu would be deeply missed by those who knew and worked with him, as well as generations of Ugandans who drew inspiration from his work.
His official burial therefore represents not only a state honour to a distinguished citizen, but also a national recognition of the immense contribution he made to Uganda’s creative and cultural heritage.
As artists, cultural practitioners, family members and Ugandans gather to bid him farewell, Mukulu’s legacy is expected to live on through the plays, books, performances and artistic works that defined his remarkable career.
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