KAMPALA — Uganda’s creative arts fraternity is mourning veteran dramatist, composer and playwright Alex Mukulu, who has died at the age of 72.

Mukulu’s death has triggered an outpouring of tributes from artists, journalists and other public figures, who have remembered him for his contribution to Uganda’s theatre and wider performing arts industry.

Human rights activist Sarah Birete described Mukulu as a man who lived his life to the fullest, saying he had “run a good race and kept the promise” before wishing him eternal peace.

Comedian Patrick Salvado Idringi, popularly known as Salvado, described Mukulu as one of the forefathers of Ugandan theatre whose contribution helped lay the foundation for subsequent generations of artists and theatre practitioners.

Veteran journalist Steven Dunstan Busuulwa described his death as heartbreaking, while entertainment journalist Douglas Lwanga said Mukulu’s contribution to Uganda’s arts industry would remain part of the country’s creative heritage.

Journalist Gabriel Buule remembered Mukulu as a demanding and uncompromising theatre director whose strict approach to directing helped instil discipline among actors and other members of his casts.

Buule also described Mukulu as outspoken and a man who held strong views on social and political issues, including criticism of President Yoweri Museveni’s leadership.

The tributes paint a picture of a complex but influential artist whose demanding approach to theatre was accompanied by a significant contribution to Uganda’s performing arts.

Mukulu’s death has renewed reflection on the role he played in shaping Uganda’s theatre landscape and nurturing generations of artists who followed in his footsteps.

Alex Mukulu was 72 years old at the time of his death.