Mayiga Mourns Alex Mukulu, Calls for Recognition of Artistes While Alive

Mayiga paying his respects to Alex Mukulu on Wednesday in Kampala

KAMPALA — Buganda Kingdom Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga has mourned veteran playwright and theatre director Alex Mukulu Kigoonya, describing him as a devoted cultural figure who demanded high standards in the arts and remained committed to the Kingdom.

Mayiga made the remarks while visiting Mukulu’s family on Thursday to convey condolences following the celebrated dramatist’s death last weekend.

“Alex Mukulu was an artiste who cared deeply about the quality of the productions he staged and about training others,” Mayiga said. “He was also a man of the Kabaka who closely followed the affairs of the Kingdom and always put them first.”

Mukulu’s daughter, Gwendolyn Mukulu, told mourners that her father died from liver disease. She thanked God for giving him a life in which he was able to make a significant contribution to Uganda.

Mayiga used the condolence visit to urge government to recognise distinguished artistes while they are still alive rather than waiting until their deaths.

“Government should appreciate artistes when they are still alive. Give them medals and money when they are still able to understand and enjoy that recognition,” he said.

The Katikkiro also criticised artistes who exploit colleagues financially, saying the practice was weakening the creative industry.

“Some artistes take their colleagues’ money through dishonest means. That must stop,” Mayiga said.

He also challenged Uganda’s creative community to overcome divisions and build stronger relationships through collaboration and regular interaction.

“Artistes should visit one another, work together and stand with each other. That is how you strengthen brotherhood,” he said.

Mukulu’s legacy

Mukulu, born in 1954, was one of Uganda’s most prominent playwrights, actors and theatre directors, with a career stretching back to the 1970s.

He became particularly known for combining drama, music, satire and political commentary to examine Uganda’s history, leadership, poverty and social inequalities.

Among his best-known works were 30 Years of Bananas, Wounds of Africa, Guest of Honour, Muzukulu wa Kabangala, Engule ya Kamukukulu, The Peasants’ Song and Dances with Poverty.

His landmark 30 Years of Bananas, published in the early 1990s, used satire to explore Uganda’s turbulent post-independence political history and became one of the productions most closely associated with his career.

Mukulu also played a major role in mentoring younger actors, writers and directors, earning recognition as one of the architects of modern Ugandan theatre.

His work extended to major national productions, including the opening ceremony of the 2007 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Kampala.

He remained active in theatre in his later years, returning to the National Theatre with new productions and continuing to push performers to treat acting and theatre as serious professions.

For Buganda, Mayiga said Mukulu’s legacy went beyond the stage, remembering him as a loyal subject of the Kabaka whose artistic career remained closely connected to his culture and heritage.