The Ugandan theatre industry was thrown into mourning over the weekend following the death of veteran playwright, actor, director and educationist Edward Alexander Mukulu, popularly known as Alex Mukulu.Mukulu’s passing sparked an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, artists and audiences who remember him for his immense contribution to the development of Ugandan theatre through the plays he wrote, directed and performed.He is remembered for several notable works, including 30 Years of Bananas, Springs of Tears, The People’s President, Excuse Me Mzungu and Gwanga Mujje, among many others.In one of his interviews before his passing, Mukulu revealed that his 1991 book 30 Years of Bananas was once considered for inclusion on Uganda’s education syllabus but was ultimately rejected by authorities.According to Mukulu, authorities 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. They claimed it had a bias because most of our leaders here came from the North. When you look at things here in Uganda, the major conflicts have been between the North and South.”He, however, noted that the book received a more positive reception outside Uganda, particularly in Kenya and some European countries.Mukulu explained that much of his work was inspired by real-life experiences and social issues affecting society. He said he always tried to ensure that his plays carried a meaningful message for 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, he explained that the story centred on a family that had several daughters, with one daughter’s marriage becoming more colourful than the others.He also cited Wounds of Africa as another work through which he explored the challenges and suffering affecting the African continent.Beyond theatre, Mukulu revealed that he had written hundreds of songs and produced a large body of theatrical work throughout his career.Government joins talks for official send-off of actor Alex MukuluI 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.Mukulu also explained that his creative works continued to generate income, although payments were often channelled through a foundation he established with fellow creatives rather than directly to his personal phone.His passing marks the loss of one of Uganda’s most influential theatre figures, whose work helped shape generations of performers, writers and audiences while using drama to explore Uganda’s history, society and everyday experiences.Gino gy'emizannyo gya Alex Mukulu gy'afudde atenda, agenze takukkuluma.#BBSAt10 pic.twitter.com/ziexibblkl— BBS TEREFAYINA (@bbstvug) August 17, 2026The post Why Alex Mukulu’s ’30 years of Bananas’ was rejected on Ugandan school syllabus appeared first on MBU.