Ugandan Playwright Alex Mukulu Honored with State Burial by President Museveni

President Yoweri Museveni has approved a state burial for Alex Edward Kabangala Mukulu, a celebrated Ugandan playwright, actor, and director who died at the age of 72. Mukulu will be laid to rest on August 20, 2026, in Gayaza, with government and family collaborating on the arrangements.

Minister for the Presidency Milly Babalanda announced the state burial, conveying condolences to Mukulu's family, friends, and the creative industry, calling his death a profound loss for Uganda. Mukulu dedicated over four decades to Uganda's creative sector, employing satire, comedy, and drama in his theatre to dissect the nation's political and social landscape, transforming complex national dialogues into relatable stories.

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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.

Among his most acclaimed productions is "30 Years of Bananas," which premiered in 1992 to mark Uganda's 30th independence anniversary. This play, using humor and satire, reflected on Uganda's political and social trajectory since 1962, becoming a landmark theatrical achievement. Mukulu's influence extended internationally, with his play "Journey to Self-Realisation" being performed at the opening of the 2007 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Kampala, significantly elevating Ugandan theatre on a global stage.

Beyond his personal artistic contributions, Mukulu was a dedicated mentor, nurturing and supporting emerging artists. Many in Uganda's creative industry credit him with providing opportunities and shaping their careers. His passing has prompted widespread tributes from politicians, musicians, actors, and other creatives, who recognize him as an influential figure who profoundly shaped Uganda's theatre scene. The state burial is anticipated to gather family, fellow artists, cultural figures, government officials, and the public to honor a man dedicated to telling Uganda's stories through the art of theatre.

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When he was young, my father was fascinated by the few planes that crisscrossed the sky. He really wanted to become a pilot. Later, for all departures for sports competitions, he only flew with TAROM. He was one of the enthusiasts who entered the pilots' cabins. Now Ivan is back up in the sky, and the aircraft bearing his name completes the dream of the child born in the Delta in a very special way.