President Yoweri Museveni has authorised an official state funeral for the renowned Ugandan playwright, actor and director Alex Edward Kabangala Mukulu, who passed away recently at the age of 72.

He will be buried on 20 August 2026 at Kijabijjo in Gayaza, with the government and the family jointly arranging the ceremony.

The decision was announced on Tuesday by Minister for the Presidency Milly Babalanda.

She stated that the National Organising Committee had already started working with Mukulu’s relatives.

“Dear friends, I wish to inform you that the President of the Republic of Uganda, HE Gen Kaguta Museveni, has granted an official burial to the fallen statesman, Mr Alex Edward Kabangala Mukulu,” Babalanda said.

Babalanda expressed condolences to the family, friends and colleagues in the arts sector, calling the loss a major blow to the nation.

Mukulu devoted more than forty years to Uganda’s creative industry as a playwright, actor, director and musician.

Through his theatre work he employed satire, comedy and drama to explore the country’s political and social issues, frequently transforming complex national debates into stories that connected with audiences.

His best-known plays include 30 Years of Bananas, Wounds of Africa, The Guest of Honour, Muzukulu wa Kabangala and Journey to Self-Realisation.

His most acclaimed work, 30 Years of Bananas, first staged in 1992 to mark three decades of Uganda’s independence, used humour and satire to reflect on the nation’s political and social path since 1962 and remains one of the country’s most memorable theatrical productions.

Mukulu’s plays also gained international recognition.

Journey to Self-Realisation was presented at the opening of the 2007 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Kampala, showcasing Ugandan theatre on a global stage.

In addition to his own creative output, Mukulu was widely remembered for guiding and encouraging younger artists.

Many performers in Uganda’s arts community have credited him with providing opportunities and helping to mould their careers.

His death prompted widespread tributes from politicians, musicians, actors and other creatives, who hailed him as a pivotal figure in the development of Ugandan theatre.

The official burial is expected to draw family members, fellow artists, cultural leaders, government representatives and members of the public to pay tribute to a man who dedicated much of his life to narrating Uganda’s stories through the stage.