KAMPALA,UGANDA — Veteran Ugandan playwright, actor, director and musician *Alex Mukulu* has died at the age of 72. The announcement was made on *15 August 2026*, bringing to a close the career of one of Uganda’s most influential voices in theatre.
Mukulu was born in *1954 in Misebe, Ssingo County, Buganda*, to Paulo Kayizi Lugaizi and Victoria Ndagire, daughter of Prince Yokana Kimbugwe of Lungujja. After attending *Kololo Secondary School*, he studied *Film and Drama at Makerere University*, Kampala — training that would launch a career spanning more than 40 years.
*A Voice That Challenged Power*
Mukulu built his reputation on plays that blended humor, symbolism and sharp social commentary. He wrote, directed and acted in *more than 30 productions* staged in Uganda and abroad.
His most well-known works include:
– *Muzukulu wa Kabangala* (1977)
– *Wounds of Africa* (1988)
– *30 Years of Bananas* (1991) — a landmark political satire marking Uganda’s 30 years of independence
– *The Guest of Honour* (1994)
– *Journey to Self-Realization* — performed at the opening ceremony of the *2007 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting* in Kampala
Other notable plays include _“I Killed the Archbishop”_ (1984), _“The Drunkards”_ (1986/87), _“Peasants Cry”_ (1989), _“Radio Mambo Bado”_ (1996), and later works _“A Good Muganda Case”_ (2021) and _“The People’s President”_ (2022).
After spending about *17 years away from the stage*, Mukulu made a celebrated return in *2024* with *Kulunkalu ne Kulumbisi*, an African adaptation of Shakespeare’s _Romeo and Juliet_ staged at the National Theatre in Kampala. The production used African language, music, dance and contemporary Ugandan themes, and was also framed as a mentorship platform for young actors.
In a 2020 interview, Mukulu criticized contemporary Ugandan theatre for shying away from bold stories that confronted political and social realities — a stance that defined much of his own work.
*Legacy*
Through satire and drama, Mukulu helped establish a tradition of using theatre as a vehicle for criticism, reflection and national conversation. His work influenced generations of playwrights, actors and directors.
He leaves behind a substantial body of work and a reputation as a fearless storyteller who believed the stage should speak truth to power.
Funeral arrangements and further details are expected to be announced by the family in due course.
