Museveni Hails Alex Mukulu’s Legacy in Uganda’s Theatre and Creative Industry

Museveni Hails Alex Mukulu’s Legacy in Uganda’s Theatre and Creative Industry

President Yoweri Museveni has honoured the late veteran actor Alex Mukulu for shaping Uganda’s theatre and creative industry, while urging young artists to emulate his discipline and service.

President Museveni has described the late veteran actor and theatre practitioner Alex Mukulu as a distinguished Ugandan whose contribution to theatre and the creative industry will continue to shape the country’s cultural heritage.

Museveni’s message was delivered by Minister Henry Tumukunde during Mukulu’s funeral, where the President extended condolences to the deceased’s family, friends, colleagues in the arts fraternity and the wider creative sector.

Museveni said Mukulu’s death was not only a loss to his family but also to Uganda’s cultural and creative industry, particularly the theatre fraternity where he spent a significant part of his life.

“Alex was a man of talent who tempered discipline with purpose,” Museveni said, praising Mukulu’s contribution through theatre, acting, writing, performance and mentorship.

The President said Mukulu’s work demonstrated that storytelling goes beyond entertainment, arguing that artistic expression plays an important role in preserving a society’s history, values, identity and aspirations.

He said artists such as Mukulu had helped preserve and transmit Uganda’s cultural heritage to present and future generations.

Museveni urged Mukulu’s family to take comfort in the impact he had on the lives of many people, saying his physical absence should not overshadow the artistic legacy and values he left behind.

“His physical presence may have departed from us, but the values he stood for, the people he mentored and the artistic legacy he left behind will continue to speak for him,” the President said.

The President also reiterated the government’s commitment to developing Uganda’s creative industry, describing it as both a cultural asset and an important component of the wider economy.

He said the creative sector is among the areas government is seeking to leverage under the National Development Plan Four and the 10-fold growth strategy, particularly to promote employment, wealth creation, innovation and private-sector development.

Museveni disclosed that by December 2025, about Shs18.99 billion had been disbursed through 50 artist circles, benefiting approximately 3,000 individuals.

However, he acknowledged concerns over the effectiveness of the artist circles in supporting content production, saying the matter would require further discussion.

Addressing young people in the creative sector, Museveni urged them to emulate Mukulu’s discipline, integrity, faith and spirit of service rather than measuring success solely by fame or material achievements.

“True success is also measured by the lives you touch, the opportunities you create for others and the contribution you make for your country,” he said.

Museveni challenged young artists to build a professional and sustainable creative industry capable of contributing meaningfully to Uganda’s economic transformation.

As Mukulu was laid to rest, the President called on mourners to celebrate his life and remember his creativity, contribution to theatre and the arts, mentorship of young people and service to Uganda.

He also asked the family and mourners to remember Mukulu’s faith in God and entrust his soul to the Almighty.