Veteran playwright, actor, director and cultural icon Alex Mukulu was laid to rest on Thursday, 20 August 2026, at Kijabijo off the Gayaza–Kalagi road in a ceremony that marked a historic moment for Uganda’s creative industry. Mukulu, who died on 15 August at Kiruddu Hospital aged 72, was accorded an official burial by government — the first time a creative artist has received such recognition. He was survived by four children. President Yoweri Museveni hailed Mukulu as an icon whose death was a loss to Uganda’s theatre and culture. The President was represented at the burial by Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development Lt Gen Henry Tumukunde. In a solemn ceremony attended by family, government officials, cultural figures and members of the creative fraternity, Mukulu was given a seven-gun salute. Soldiers observed traditional military protocol as the casket was lowered. In one of the most moving moments, Mukulu’s 10-string guitar was played for the last time before being placed in the grave with him. He had personally chosen the words for his epitaph: “My journey ends here. The remaining hills are yours to climb.” Musician and Senior Presidential Advisor on Creative Arts Eddy Kenzo described the state funeral as recognition of the value and dignity of Uganda’s creative industry, saying it gave artists renewed hope that their work matters. The burial followed a funeral service at St Paul’s Cathedral Namirembe and public viewing of the body at the National Theatre. Mukulu spent more than four decades using satire, comedy and drama to examine Uganda’s political and social realities. His work helped shape modern Ugandan theatre and inspired generations of artists. The official send-off signalled growing recognition of the creative sector’s contribution to national life. King Musah Media pays tribute to Alex Mukulu. May his soul rest in eternal peace.