Dear fans, must we question those who show up in death?

What the report says

Sqoop Uganda published a commentary responding to debate over how people react when public figures die, using the recent deaths of playwright Alex Mukulu and comedian Kapere as examples. The piece notes that each death prompted public questions about whether fellow artistes, friends or institutions had done enough while the two men were alive, including concerns about medical care, financial hardship and support within Uganda’s arts sector.

The article argues that such criticism can be understandable, especially where artists may have lacked adequate help, but cautions against assuming that funeral attendance proves either close friendship or neglect. It says public figures often keep private struggles out of view, and outsiders may not know the true extent of their difficulties or what kind of support they needed.

The commentary also points out that many colleagues and acquaintances may be facing their own challenges and may not always be in a position to help. While it says there is a valid broader discussion about how artists are supported while alive, it urges readers not to turn funerals into public judgments of those who show up to mourn.

Overall, the piece calls for stronger support systems for artistes and for a culture of checking on people before death, while leaving room for grief without public blame once someone has died.