Govt steps in as Uganda prepares official send-off for Alex Mukulu

The death of veteran Ugandan theatre practitioner Alex Mukulu has drawn the government into funeral arrangements, with plans now underway for what could become an official send-off for a man whose contribution to the country’s creative industry has been described as that of a national asset.

According to Abbey Mukiibi, a member of the committee organising Mukulu’s farewell, the government joined discussions with the family after recognising the late artist’s contribution to Uganda.

A letter has also been sent to President Museveni seeking his involvement in the final arrangements.

“We are in negotiations with the family alongside the government because the government has joined in because Alex was a national asset who deserves an official send-off,” Mukiibi said.

For the arts fraternity, the immediate plan is to gather at the National Theatre on Tuesday from 2 pm for an industry-wide mourning ceremony. 

From there, Mukulu’s body is expected to return to the funeral home the following day as the family and committee settle on the final burial programme.

The burial date, however, remains unsettled.

The committee is tentatively planning for Thursday, but Mukulu’s family has suggested Saturday. The possibility of a Monday burial is also being considered, partly because weekend ceremonies can be difficult for members of Uganda’s arts community to attend.

There is another complication: some of Mukulu’s children live abroad, and the family wants to give them time to return home before he is laid to rest.

Mr Mukiibi said the committee expects to have a clearer and agreed burial date by Tuesday.

Beyond the arrangements, questions surrounding Mukulu’s final days have also been answered. Mukiibi said the actor, director and theatre icon died at Kiruddu Hospital after suffering liver complications.

His death has therefore left the Ugandan arts fraternity navigating both grief and the practical challenge of giving one of its most recognisable figures a farewell that reflects his contribution.

The committee bringing together the family, government and arts representatives is chaired by Hon Naomi Themes, with Mr Steven Rwanjezi, Hon Mike Sebalu and Mukulu’s brother, Michael, serving as deputies.

Ragga Dee and Andrew Benon Kibuuka are also members, while Charles James Senkubuge, Phillip Lusaka and Abbey Mukiibi are serving as spokespersons.

The deceased was a storyteller, mentor, performer and cultural force whose work captured Uganda’s political, social and human journey.