KAMPALA — President Museveni has granted an official burial to veteran Ugandan playwright, actor, director and musician Alex Edward Kabangala Mukulu, who died at the age of 72.
The announcement was made Tuesday by Minister for the Presidency Milly Babalanda, who said the National Organising Committee (NOC) is engaging Mukulu’s family to organise his final send-off.
According to Babalanda, the official burial will take place on Thursday, August 20, 2026, in Kijabijjo, Gayaza.
“President Museveni has granted an official burial to the fallen statesman, Mr. Alex Edward Kabangala Mukulu,” Babalanda said in a statement.
The government decision comes days after Mukulu’s death on August 15, which triggered an outpouring of tributes from Uganda’s arts and cultural community.
Mukulu was one of Uganda’s most prominent theatre practitioners, with a career spanning more than four decades. He was known for works including 30 Years of Bananas, Wounds of Africa, Guest of Honour and Muzukulu wa Kabangala.
His 1991 production 30 Years of Bananas became particularly prominent for using theatre, humour and political satire to examine Uganda’s post-independence political history.
Mukulu also authored 30 Years of Bananas, published in 1993, and directed and performed in numerous productions throughout his career. His Journey to Self-Realization was performed during the opening ceremony of the 2007 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Kampala.
A national figure in the arts
News of Mukulu’s death was followed by tributes from across Uganda’s cultural and political establishment.
Buganda Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga described him as a writer, director, actor, songwriter and singer who loved Buganda’s culture and traditions and served Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II.
Former presidential candidate and musician Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu also paid tribute to Mukulu, describing him as an “unapologetic voice of reason” in Uganda’s entertainment industry.
Mukulu’s influence extended beyond acting and theatre. He trained and mentored performers and became known for using the stage to interrogate Uganda’s politics, society and cultural identity.
The New Vision described his legacy as extending beyond the plays he directed and performances he staged, noting the standard he demanded from theatre and its ability to entertain while provoking audiences to think.
Government joins funeral arrangements
The Government had already become involved in Mukulu’s funeral arrangements before Tuesday’s announcement.
Reports earlier indicated that government officials had joined discussions with Mukulu’s family after recognising his contribution to Uganda’s creative industry and considering him a national asset.
Babalanda said the NOC would work with the bereaved family to ensure a befitting send-off.
She extended condolences to Mukulu’s family, friends, colleagues in the performing arts industry and Ugandans.
“May the soul of Alex Mukulu rest in eternal peace,” she said.
