President Yoweri Museveni will accord veteran actor, playwright and storyteller Alex Mukulu an official burial, Minister of State for Gender and Cultural Affairs Mary Grace Kuteesa has confirmed as burial programm is announced.
Speaking during Mukulu’s send-off at the National Theatre on Tuesday, Kuteesa said the Ministry of Gender had informed President Museveni about the actor’s death, after which he communicated his decision to honour him with an official funeral.
“The Ministry of Gender took the liberty to inform the President of the passing of this gallant general, and the President communicated this afternoon that he will accord Alex an official funeral,” Kuteesa said.
Mukulu, who died at the age of 72, will be buried today, August 19, at Kirinyabigo on Gayaza Road at 2pm.
Kuteesa said government officials and a committee involving different ministries will engage Mukulu’s family on the arrangements and way forward.
Mukulu’s death has also sparked renewed discussion about how Uganda recognises artists and cultural figures while they are still alive.
Veteran actor and filmmaker John Segawa described Mukulu as a Ugandan hero and questioned how the country defines national heroes.
“Alex is a Ugandan hero,” Segawa said.
He argued that artists who make significant contributions to Uganda’s culture and society should receive the same recognition given to people in other fields.
Segawa also questioned whether Mukulu’s achievements should qualify him for a place among Uganda’s officially recognised heroes.
Meanwhile, Kuteesa described Mukulu as an artist who could inform, educate and entertain audiences while encouraging them to think about society.
She said his legacy should continue through the next generation of Ugandan artists.
Kuteesa said government is working to strengthen Uganda’s creative and cultural industries through financing, skills development, intellectual property protection, cultural infrastructure and the development of a national creative economy strategy.
She revealed that government has invested about Shs18.99 billion in creative industry Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations, covering approximately 55 groups.
The minister also urged Mukulu’s family to protect his copyright, saying his creative works remain an important part of his legacy and an economic asset for the family.
Uganda Communications Commission Executive Director Nyombi Thembo also praised Mukulu’s contribution to Ugandan theatre, describing him as a leader in artistic excellence.
Thembo urged the creative industry to learn from Mukulu’s approach to preparation, discipline and perfection.
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