Mukulu: Seven-gun salute for fallen star, first creative to be accorded official funeral.
President Yoweri Museveni hailed Mukulu whom he described as an icon whose demise was a loss to Uganda’s theatre and culture.
Alex Mukulu was laid to rest on Thursday, August 20 at Kijabijo, off the Gayaza–Kalagi road. (Photos by Edward Luyimbazi)
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The final curtain fell on veteran arts administrator, actor and cultural icon Alex Mukulu on Thursday, August 20, as he was laid to rest at Kijabijo, off the Gayaza–Kalagi road.
Mukulu died on Saturday, August 15, in Kiruddu Hospital, aged 72. He was survived by four children.
In a solemn state funeral attended by hundreds of family, government officials, cultural figures and members of Uganda’s creative fraternity, President Yoweri Museveni hailed Mukulu whom he described as an icon whose demise was a loss to Uganda’s theatre and culture.
In a speech delivered by Lt. Gen (Rtd) Henry Tumukunde, the Gender, Labour and Social Development minister, President Museveni described Mukulu as a distinguished son of Uganda who will be remembered not only as an entertainer but as a thinker, mentor and cultural force whose work challenged audiences while informing, educating and inspiring society.
“He was a man of talent, creativity, discipline and purpose. Through theatre, acting, writing, performance and mentorship, he educated, entertained and shaped society. Mukulu created history, values, identity and aspirations of our country; an official sendoff was befitting,” Museveni said.
Tumukunde thanked President Museveni for prioritising Uganda’s creative sector, saying Mukulu’s death should become a moment to push the industry to greater heights rather than simply mourn its loss.
“I urge creatives to move beyond dependence on handouts and instead focus on building sustainable content and enterprises. We are committed to strengthening Uganda’s creative industry such that the dreams of pioneers like Mukulu should live on through future generations,” he said.
Pastor Michael David Kyazze, who ministered to Mukulu, urged mourners to celebrate rather than mourn him.
He described Mukulu as cautious, brainy and an intellectual whose messages often forced audiences to rethink their assumptions and, in some cases, change.
“He was an icon,” Kyazze said, while acknowledging that Mukulu, like any other human being, had weaknesses. He added that Mukulu died a born-again Christian.
Bishop David Livingstone Kiganda similarly described Mukulu as an icon who was never afraid to speak his mind.
That outspokenness, he said, sometimes rubbed people the wrong way, but Mukulu remained firm in his convictions.
National Musicians Federation president Eddy Kenzo paid tribute to Mukulu for guiding the federation and the wider creative community.
He said the late cultural icon preached love and urged artistes to embrace one another despite the competition that defines the industry.
Andrew Benon Kibuuka, a member of the organising committee, thanked the government for granting Mukulu a state funeral.
He also took a swipe at bloggers who, he said, often search for scandals around funerals.
Kibuuka expressed relief that Mukulu’s final farewell had not provided such distractions, allowing mourners to focus on celebrating his life and contribution.
Afrigo Band's Moses Matovu also praised Mukulu for entertaining generations while insisting on professionalism in his craft.
Mukulu’s family thanked President Museveni, the Buganda government and the creative fraternity for their support, prayers and assistance during the difficult period. He was accorded a 7-gun salute.
In one of the most poignant moments of the burial, Mukulu’s 10-string guitar was played for the last time before being placed in his grave alongside him. It was a fitting farewell for a man whose life was deeply intertwined with performance, music, theatre and storytelling.
Mukulu had personally chosen the words for his epitaph: “My journey ends here. The remaining hills are yours to climb.”