The Ugandan Government has reportedly declined a proposal to accord a state funeral to veteran actor, playwright and cultural icon Alex Mukulu, despite calls for an official send-off in recognition of his contribution to the country’s creative industry.
The decision has brought uncertainty to discussions that had emerged following Mukulu’s death, with members of the arts fraternity and sections of the public calling for the veteran theatre practitioner to be honoured at the national level.
Mukulu, who died on August 15, 2026, at the age of 72, was widely regarded as one of Uganda’s influential figures in theatre and drama. His death has prompted tributes from artists, cultural practitioners and members of the public who have credited him with helping shape Uganda’s modern theatre scene.
Reports published shortly after his death indicated that the Government had joined discussions with Mukulu’s family and the funeral organising committee over arrangements for his final send-off.
Abbey Mukiibi, a member of the organising committee, said the Government had become involved because Mukulu was regarded as a national asset who deserved an official send-off.
The development had fuelled expectations that the Government could eventually accord Mukulu a state funeral or another form of official burial.
However, information now indicates that the proposal for a state funeral has not been accepted, meaning Mukulu will not receive the full state funeral honour that some of his admirers had hoped for.
The distinction is significant because calls for an official send-off had been based largely on Mukulu’s decades-long contribution to Uganda’s cultural and entertainment sector. His career included work as an actor, playwright, director, storyteller and mentor.
Mukulu was particularly associated with theatre productions that examined Uganda’s social and political realities. Among works linked to his career are 30 Years of Bananas, Wounds of Africa and Guest of Honour. His production Journey to Self-Realization was also performed during the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Kampala in 2007.
Beyond the stage, Mukulu became familiar to television audiences through his appearances as a judge on entertainment and singing programmes. His distinctive personality and uncompromising approach helped establish him as a recognisable figure beyond Uganda’s theatre circles.
Funeral arrangements are meanwhile continuing. According to the latest programme announced by the funeral committee, Mukulu’s body was scheduled to be taken to the National Theatre on Tuesday, August 18, for an industry-wide mourning ceremony. A requiem service was planned for Wednesday, August 19, ahead of burial on Thursday, August 20. The family had not yet publicly confirmed the final burial site at the time of the announcement.
The Government’s decision is likely to reignite debate over how Uganda recognises artists whose work has made a lasting contribution to the country’s cultural identity.
For Mukulu’s family and the arts fraternity, however, the focus is now expected to shift toward giving the veteran performer a dignified farewell and celebrating the legacy he leaves behind.
While a state funeral may not be part of the final arrangements, Mukulu’s influence on Ugandan theatre remains firmly established, with several generations of performers having been inspired, mentored or influenced by his work.
