Acclaimed Playwright Alex Mukulu Dies at 72

Uganda’s vibrant arts scene is mourning the loss of Alex Mukulu, a celebrated playwright, actor, and musician, who died at the age of 72.

Mukulu’s passing was met with tributes from across the nation. The Katikiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, remembered him as a dedicated figure who cherished Buganda culture and served the Kabaka. Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, leader of the National Unity Platform, hailed Mukulu as an “unapologetic voice of reason” within Uganda’s entertainment industry.

He gained widespread recognition in the early 1990s for his impactful play, “30 Years of Bananas.” This production bravely used caricatures of Uganda’s post-independence presidents to prompt audiences to critically examine the nation’s political history and development trajectory.

Mukulu considered “30 Years of Bananas” his most significant work. He employed a Rwandan refugee as the lead character, a narrative choice he believed offered a more neutral lens through which to analyze Uganda’s past.

The play emerged during a period of political transition following the National Resistance Movement’s ascent to power in 1986. Mukulu noted that this era, which he termed the “honeymoon” of the new government, fostered an environment where artists felt empowered to address sensitive topics, including national leadership, with greater freedom.

His theatrical work often delved into Uganda’s political evolution, using satire to critique the pace of development. Mukulu famously remarked that what Uganda achieved in 30 years, a more “sober country” might accomplish in five.

Mukulu’s career spanned decades, beginning with his first play, “Muzukulu wa Kabangala,” in 1977. Other notable works include “Wounds of Africa,” “The People’s President,” and “I Killed the Archbishop.” He also made a memorable appearance at the 2007 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) opening ceremony in Kampala, earning a standing ovation.

Educated at Namilyango College and Kololo Secondary School, Mukulu also studied film and drama at Makerere University, crediting Father Grimes of Namasagali for nurturing his artistic talents. Beyond theatre, he contributed to the music industry and was involved in training aspiring artists.

Source: https://observer.ug/news/playwright-alex-mukulu-dies-at-72