Former National Theatre boss dead

The former Executive Director of Uganda National Cultural Centre (UNCC) (commonly known as National Theatre), Joseph Walugembe, has died.

His death was announced by the management on UNCC on Thursday morning.

According to Robert Musitwa, the Public relations officer of UNCC, Walugembe, 58, died at MMK Clinic Najjanankumbi, at 6:30am.

Walugembe served as acting director of UNCC from 2003 to 2008. In August 2008, he was confirmed Executive director until 2012. In late 2012, he was asked to step aside to allow investigations into corruption and nepotism allegations.

In his will, the late refused to be brought at National Theatre for any funeral event.  He will be laid to rest tomorrow in Namayumba, Wakiso district.

Members of the arts fraternity made tributes upon the news of his death.

"I am really saddened by the passing of Mr. Joseph Walugembe. Just like that! He was a good man, an artist and a manager who always did his best to find space and solutions for works of art, education and the safety of the national theatre. Even with challenges and failings, he was strong! You will always have my respect. R.I.P Joseph Walugembe," Faisal Kiwewa of Bayimba Arts Festival wrote on his Facebook page.