Keep politics out of my burial, Ragga Dee warns Ugandan politicians

21 August 2026, 9:39 am

By Frank Oyugi

Kampala, Uganda — Veteran singer Ragga Dee has opened up about how he would like to be remembered and celebrated, including the specific group of people he does not want at his funeral.

Ragga Dee was among the artists who attended a celebration at the National Theatre in honour of the late Ugandan playwright, actor, instrumentalist and author Alex Mukulu.

Speaking in an interview, the singer expressed frustration and disappointment with a Member of Parliament whom he accused of spreading propaganda during Alex’s funeral.

He alleged that the politician claimed the government would not celebrate Alex’s life despite his contribution to Uganda’s creative sector.

Ragga Dee said the experience prompted him to make it clear that he does not want politicians to attend his funeral or make political speeches to mourners.

“When I die, I do not want politicians to speak at my burial. I saw politicians at Alex’s funeral saying that the government wouldn’t help him and many other things. I booked this place the day we held the first meeting for the burial arrangements. This is a government premise. You do not have to be a government person to be brought here, but a Ugandan. Politicians should not try this at my burial,” he said.

Ragga Dee said he had already made arrangements for his funeral, adding that he would prefer mourners to gather and speak about the positive things they knew about him and his contribution to society.

“I would like a good send-off, with people not just praising me but speaking about the good things I have done because they have seen them. Politicians should just come and speak about things relating to my death, but not politics,” he said.

He said some politicians had used solemn occasions to advance their political agendas instead of focusing on mourning and supporting the bereaved.