Alex Mukulu: The voice that refused to be polite

What the report says

Sqoop Uganda published a tribute to Alex Mukulu, describing him as one of Uganda’s most influential and uncompromising theatre figures. The piece says news of his death began circulating on Saturday afternoon and that it was later confirmed he died while receiving treatment at Kiruddu Hospital. It portrays him as a writer, composer, actor, broadcaster and cultural thinker whose work shaped Ugandan arts across generations.

The article focuses less on formal biography and more on Mukulu’s reputation for bluntness, noting that he was known for sharp responses in interviews and for challenging people through his comments on art and society. It recalls several of his remarks and anecdotes to illustrate why some found him difficult, while many others admired his direct style. The writer suggests that this forceful personality became part of Mukulu’s public identity and helped make him impossible to ignore in artistic circles.

The tribute also highlights the reach of his creative work, including songs such as Banakampala, Obwavu and Sekiriba Kya Ttaka, and theatre productions such as Excuse Me Mzungu, Wounds of Africa, Dances With Poverty and 30 Years of Bananas. According to Sqoop, these works were more than entertainment: they used music and drama to question social and political issues. The article offers wider context about Uganda’s theatre scene and how Mukulu’s productions continued to attract attention from audiences and younger artists alike, even as attendance patterns changed over time.