Government joins plans for Alex Mukulu’s official send-off

What the report says

The family of veteran Ugandan actor and playwright Alex Mukulu says he died of liver complications while receiving treatment at Kiruddu Hospital, with his death reported on August 15, 2026. The announcement has prompted mourning across Uganda’s arts community, which is preparing a public farewell for one of the country’s best-known theatre figures.

According to Sqoop Uganda, government officials have joined discussions on the funeral arrangements, and organisers are pushing for an official send-off in recognition of Mukulu’s contribution to the creative sector. Abbey Mukiibi, who is helping coordinate the burial committee, said the state is taking part in talks with the family. The report also says a letter has been sent to President Yoweri Museveni asking him to be involved in the final arrangements.

A public mourning ceremony is planned for Tuesday at the National Theatre in Kampala, starting at 2 p.m. The body is expected to return to the funeral home on Wednesday while organisers finalise the burial programme. No burial date has been confirmed yet, with Thursday, Saturday and Monday said to be under consideration as the family waits for some relatives abroad to arrive.

Mukulu was widely recognised as an actor, playwright, director, storyteller and mentor whose work shaped Ugandan theatre over several decades. He also became familiar to television audiences through his role on Yolese Ekitone. The developments matter because they show both the scale of his cultural influence and the state’s interest in marking his legacy with formal honours.