Veteran Theatre Icon Alex Mukulu Dies at 72

Uganda’s entertainment and theatre fraternity is mourning the death of veteran actor and playwright Alex Mukulu, who died on Saturday afternoon at the age of 72.

Mukulu’s death has left fans, fellow entertainers and performers mourning a figure who spent decades contributing to Uganda’s theatre and entertainment industry. The cause of his death had not been disclosed by press time, while details surrounding his funeral arrangements remain scanty.

Mukulu was perhaps best known to a wider television audience for his role as a tough and uncompromising judge on Yolese Ekitone, a talent search programme that aired on Bukedde TV.

He developed a reputation for his sharp assessments of emerging performers, particularly when their performances failed to meet the standards he expected. His stern personality and distinctive judging style often made his assessments memorable, earning him recognition among viewers and aspiring performers.

Beyond television, Mukulu was an accomplished actor and playwright whose career was closely tied to Uganda’s theatre scene. Through his work, he influenced several generations of artists and performers. His uncompromising approach to talent, while sometimes intimidating to contestants, reflected the high standards he expected from performers and became an important part of his public identity.

News of his death has since triggered an outpouring of grief on social media, with fans, friends, fellow entertainers and well-wishers paying tribute to the veteran and sending condolences to his family.

Mukulu leaves behind a legacy that extends beyond his memorable television appearances. His contribution to Ugandan theatre, acting and talent development ensured that his influence reached many of the performers who came after him.

As the entertainment fraternity comes to terms with his death, many will remember him not only for his talent but also for the strict standards and unmistakable personality that made him one of the most recognisable figures in Uganda’s talent and theatre circles.

May his soul rest in peace.