Ugandan theatre is mourning the death of veteran playwright, actor, director and educationist Alex Mukulu, whose decades-long career helped shape the country’s performing arts scene.
Mukulu was remembered for his contribution to Ugandan theatre through the plays he wrote, directed and performed, with colleagues, artists and audiences paying tribute to a creative career that explored Uganda’s history, politics and everyday social realities.
Among his notable works were 30 Years of Bananas, Springs of Tears, The People’s President, Excuse Me Mzungu and Gwanga Mujje.
One of Mukulu’s most discussed works was 30 Years of Bananas, a 1991 book that he revealed had once been considered for Uganda’s education syllabus before being rejected by authorities.
According to Mukulu, officials argued that the book could deepen divisions between northern and southern Uganda because of its portrayal of the country’s historical and political experiences.
“30 Years of Bananas was declined on the Ugandan syllabus because they said it segregated and divided the North and South.”
Mukulu said authorities viewed the book as having a bias because many of Uganda’s leaders had historically come from the northern part of the country. He also noted that the book received a more positive reception outside Uganda, particularly in Kenya and some European countries.
For Mukulu, theatre was more than entertainment. He said his creative work was often inspired by real-life experiences and social issues, with a deliberate effort to ensure his productions offered something meaningful to audiences.
“I’ve written and directed very many plays, but most times when I do these plays, I first confirm that they will be helpful.”
Reflecting on 30 Years of Bananas, Mukulu explained that the story followed a family with several daughters, with the marriage of one daughter becoming particularly colourful compared with the others.
He also pointed to Wounds of Africa as another work through which he examined the challenges and suffering experienced across the African continent.
Mukulu’s creative output extended far beyond the plays for which he became known. He revealed that he had written around 200 songs and produced more than 50 plays, while continuing to work on additional theatrical projects.
“I have like 200 songs. I’ve written, directed and produced more than 50 plays, and there are others that I haven’t touched yet. I even have other plays that I’m currently writing.”
He also explained that his creative works continued to generate income, although payments were sometimes channelled through a foundation he had established with fellow creatives rather than directly to his personal phone.
Mukulu’s death leaves behind a substantial body of theatrical work and a creative legacy that reached performers, writers and audiences across generations.
Through drama, he used the stage to examine Uganda’s history, social challenges and human experiences—leaving behind works that continue to reflect the complexities of the society he spent much of his career portraying.