Ragga Dee says politicians should keep politics out of his funeral

What the report says

Veteran Ugandan singer Ragga Dee has said he does not want politicians or political speeches at his funeral, according to Sqoop Uganda. He made the remarks while reflecting on the recent send-off for playwright, actor, instrumentalist and author Alex Mukulu, whose life was celebrated at the National Theatre in Kampala.

Ragga Dee said the funeral left him unhappy because of what he described as political messaging around Mukulu’s death, including claims that the government would not support or celebrate the late creative despite his contribution to Uganda’s arts scene. He said that experience encouraged him to state his own preferences early, including where he would like his burial arrangements to be held.

The singer said he had already booked the venue he wants for his funeral on the same day the first meeting for Mukulu’s burial preparations took place. He emphasized that a funeral should focus on remembering the deceased and sharing genuine memories, rather than becoming a platform for politics. In general, public figures in Uganda and elsewhere are sometimes remembered at highly visible funerals that can draw political leaders, but Ragga Dee’s comments signal that he wants his own farewell kept personal and centered on his life, work and relationships.