Museveni grants state burial to Veteran Playwright Alex Mukulu

Kampala, Uganda | URN | President Yoweri Museveni has approved a state burial for celebrated Ugandan playwright, actor and director Alex Edward Kabangala Mukulu, who died recently at the age of 72. Mukulu will be laid to rest on August 20, 2026, at Kijabijjo in Gayaza, with the government and his family working together to organise the final farewell.

The announcement was made on Tuesday by Minister for the Presidency Milly Babalanda, who said the National Organising Committee had already begun coordinating with Mukulu’s family. “Dear friends, I wish to inform you that the President of the Republic of Uganda, HE Gen Kaguta Museveni, has granted an official burial to the fallen statesman, Mr Alex Edward Kabangala Mukulu,” Babalanda said.

Babalanda conveyed condolences to Mukulu’s family, friends and colleagues in the creative industry, describing his death as a significant loss to the country. Mukulu spent more than four decades in Uganda’s creative industry, working as a playwright, actor, director and musician.

Through theatre, he used satire, comedy and drama to examine Uganda’s political and social realities, often turning difficult national conversations into stories that resonated with audiences. Among his best-known works are 30 Years of Bananas, Wounds of Africa, The Guest of Honour, Muzukulu wa Kabangala and Journey to Self-Realisation.

His most celebrated production, 30 Years of Bananas, premiered in 1992 to commemorate 30 years of Uganda’s independence. The play used humour and satire to examine Uganda’s political and social journey since independence in 1962 and became one of the country’s most memorable theatrical productions.

Mukulu’s work also reached an international audience. His play Journey to Self-Realisation was performed during the opening of the 2007 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Kampala, giving Ugandan theatre a prominent platform before an international audience.

Beyond his own work on stage, Mukulu was also remembered for mentoring and supporting younger artists. Several performers in Uganda’s creative industry have credited him with opening doors for them and helping shape their careers. His death triggered an outpouring of tributes from politicians, musicians, actors and other creatives, who described him as an influential figure whose work helped shape Uganda’s theatre industry.

His state burial is expected to bring together members of his family, fellow artists, cultural figures, government officials and members of the public to honour a man who spent much of his life telling Uganda’s stories through theatre.