Alex Mukulu: A Purist in Ugandan Theatre's Changing Landscape

The recent passing of Alex Mukulu, a celebrated thespian and musician, signifies the loss of a true purist in Uganda’s arts scene. Mukulu, born into a family of means in Mityana, navigated a turbulent childhood that instilled in him a strong sense of survival and a unique approach to life.

From an early age, Mukulu immersed himself in the arts, training with notable figures like Eddy Ganja and Philly Lutaaya in music, and gaining experience in theatre under the tutelage of the legendary Byron Kawadwa. Even at Makerere University, pursuing a Music, Dance, and Drama course, Mukulu’s unwavering commitment to his artistic vision led him to depart when instructed to compromise his principles.

Mukulu and his contemporaries viewed art as a powerful tool for social commentary and critique. Unlike those who sought fame or fortune through superficial entertainment, Mukulu believed artists had a duty to educate, warn, and guide society. He notably disdained the label “Munakatemba,” which he felt demeaned artists as mere jesters.

In the post-colonial era, Ugandan theatre often addressed themes of oppression, exploitation, and bad governance, exemplified by works like Byron Kawadwa’s “Oluyimba lwa Wankoko.” However, under regimes like Idi Amin’s, the artistic space narrowed, pushing theatre towards apolitical themes or more commercially viable, often vulgar, content. This shift, fueled by corporate sponsorship, further diluted artistic integrity.

Mukulu, however, remained steadfast. He refused to compromise his art for financial gain, viewing the degradation of his “sacred space” with frustration. His plays, such as “30 Years of Bananas” and “Excuse Me Muzungu,” offered a refreshing alternative, demonstrating his commitment to quality and meaningful expression over fleeting trends. This dedication earned him respect, even leading to his involvement in high-profile national events like Uganda’s 50th-anniversary celebrations.

His incisive, often humorous, commentary on Ugandan governance and society was a hallmark of his later work. The irony of his state funeral, given his critiques and his reliance on a struggling local hospital system, is a poignant reflection of the complexities he often explored. Alex Mukulu’s legacy is that of an artist who refused to bend, a purist who championed authenticity in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/oped/columnists/nicholas-sengooba/alex-mukulu-the-passing-of-the-last-of-the-purists-5561834