Ragga Dee says politicians should keep politics out of his funeral – Sqoop

Veteran Ugandan singer Ragga Dee has already made his wishes clear about how he wants to be remembered when his time comes, and they include keeping politicians and political speeches away from his funeral.

Ragga Dee made the remarks while reflecting on the recent funeral of veteran playwright, actor, instrumentalist and author Alex Mukulu, whose life was celebrated at the National Theatre.

The singer said he was disappointed by what he described as political statements made during Mukulu’s send-off, particularly claims that the government would not support or celebrate the late creative despite his contribution to Uganda’s arts industry.

He said the experience prompted him to make his own wishes known early, including where he would like his funeral arrangements to take place.

“When I die, I do not want politicians to speak at my burial. I saw politicians on Alex’s death saying that the government wouldn’t help him and many other things,” he said.

Ragga Dee said he had already booked the venue he wants to use for his funeral on the same day the first meeting for Mukulu’s burial arrangements was held.

“I booked this place the day we held the first meeting for the burial arrangements. This is a government premise. You do not have to be a government person to be brought here but a Ugandan. Politicians should not try this on my burial,” he said.

For the veteran singer, a funeral should primarily be a moment for people to remember the deceased rather than an opportunity to push political agendas.

Asked how he would like to be celebrated, Ragga Dee said he would prefer mourners to share genuine memories of his life and speak about the impact they personally witnessed.

“I would like a good send-off with people not just praising me but they speak about the good things I have done because they see it. Politicians should just come and speak about things relating to my death but not politics,” he said.

His comments reflect a broader concern about the way public figures are sometimes remembered, particularly when political leaders use high-profile funerals as platforms to address wider political issues.

Ragga Dee, who was among the artists who gathered at the National Theatre to honour Mukulu, said he wants his own send-off to remain focused on his life, work and relationships with the people he touched.

Rather than grand political speeches, he wants those attending to tell stories about the good they saw in him and the contribution he made while alive.

For Ragga Dee, that would be the most meaningful way to celebrate a life: not through political promises, but through the memories and impact left behind.