Uganda will gather in Kijabijjo, Gayaza, on August 20 to bid farewell to veteran theatre practitioner Alex Edward Kabangala Mukulu.
Mukulu died on August 15 at the age of 72, and President Yoweri Museveni has now granted him an official burial.
Minister for the Presidency Milly Babalanda announced the decision on August 17 as preparations for the final send-off got underway.
Dear friends, I wish to inform you that the President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E. Gen. Kaguta Museveni, has granted an official burial to the fallen statesman, Mr. Alex Edward Kabangala Mukulu.
The National Organising Committee (NOC) has begun working with Mukulu’s family to prepare the ceremony.
Babalanda confirmed that Kijabijjo, Gayaza, will host the burial on August 20.
Accordingly, the NOC is engaging with the bereaved family to organise a befitting send-off on August 20, 2026, in Kijabijjo, Gayaza.
She also offered her condolences to Mukulu’s family, friends and colleagues in the performing arts, describing his death as a loss to the country.
Mukulu’s passing has prompted tributes from political leaders, musicians and other figures in Uganda’s creative industry.
A Legacy That Spanned Four Decades
For more than four decades, Mukulu worked as a playwright, actor, director and musician, becoming one of Uganda’s notable theatre practitioners.
His productions often tackled Uganda’s political, social and cultural realities.
They included “30 Years of Bananas”, “Wounds of Africa”, “The Guest of Honour”, “Muzukulu wa Kabangala” and “Journey to Self-Realisation”.
“30 Years of Bananas” became one of his best-known works after he staged it in 1992, when Uganda marked 30 years of independence.
The play used humour, symbolism, and political satire to examine the country’s post-independence journey.
Mukulu also contributed to major national productions.
His “Journey to Self-Realisation” featured during the opening ceremony of the 2007 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Kampala.
He also influenced younger performers, with several artists crediting him with creating opportunities and helping shape their careers.
On August 20, family, friends and fellow artists will gather in Kijabijjo, Gayaza, to pay their final respects to Mukulu.