Buganda’s Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga has paid tribute to celebrated theatre practitioner Alex Mukulu, describing him as a committed man of the Kabaka, a cultural advocate and a patriot whose creativity left a lasting mark on Uganda’s performing arts.
Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga visited the home of the late Mukulu to condole with his family and relatives following the death of the veteran performing artist.
Mayiga said Mukulu’s contribution extended beyond the stage, noting his deep commitment to the Buganda Kingdom and Uganda’s cultural heritage.
“Alex Mukulu was a man of the Kabaka who cared deeply about matters concerning the Kingdom and culture,” Mayiga said.
He praised Mukulu’s creative contribution to the performing arts, describing him as a person whose exceptional talent had helped shape Uganda’s artistic landscape.
“He made a significant contribution to the performing arts through his outstanding creativity. He was a patriot,” Mayiga said.
Mukulu, who died aged 72, was one of Uganda’s prominent theatre figures, remembered for his work as an actor, playwright and director and for productions that entertained audiences while reflecting aspects of Ugandan society and culture.
Mayiga also welcomed the Government’s decision to accord Mukulu official funeral honours, but used the moment to make a broader appeal about how society recognises its artists and other contributors.
“It is good that the Government decided that he should be accorded a state funeral, but what is most important is to appreciate people while they are still alive,” he said.
The remarks placed Mukulu’s death within a wider conversation about the recognition of artists whose creative work often shapes a country’s cultural identity but whose contributions may receive greater public attention only after their death.
For Mayiga, Mukulu’s legacy is therefore not simply one to be mourned, but one to be remembered as part of Uganda’s cultural story.
He concluded his tribute with a prayer for the deceased.
“We ask God to receive Alex with mercy,” Mayiga said.
