Kampala, Uganda | NOW THEN DIGITAL — Joseph Tamale Mirundi Snr, a well-known political commentator and presidential advisor on media matters, has passed away. The former presidential press secretary died of lung-related complications on Tuesday around 11:40 p.m. at Kisubi Hospital in Kampala, as confirmed by his family.
“He had been in the hospital for over a month and was even showing signs of improvement. On Sunday and Monday, he seemed okay. The doctors said he had fluid in his lungs, which they were draining. But today, his condition worsened, and when they tried to drain the fluid, it was blood,” one of his sons shared with journalists over the phone.
Mirundi was removed from his position as President Museveni’s press secretary in July 2015, a role he had held for about 13 years. Since then, he has been a familiar face on various television stations and vlogs, offering his insights on politics and current affairs.
Speaker of Parliament Anita Among expressed her condolences, saying, “As a journalist, civil servant, and social-political commentator, Mirundi made significant contributions to his country. His loss leaves a great void. My sympathies go out to counsel John Mirundi, the entire family, his friends, and relatives.”
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Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Chief of Defence Forces, took to X (formerly Twitter) to mourn his friend, describing Mirundi as a patriotic friend and brother. “I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my friend and brother Tamale Mirundi. We were friends and colleagues for over 20 years. He was a bold and fearless person who always fought for the truth. Uganda has lost a patriot who loved his country. May his soul rest in peace,” Gen Muhoozi posted.
Born in 1964 to Molly Namatovu and Yowana Mirundi, Tamale Mirundi was an outspoken member of the National Resistance Movement (NRM). He attended Rubaga Senior Secondary School for his higher education and later studied at Makerere University.
The funeral program, as shared by President Museveni’s deputy press secretary Faruk Kirunda, is as follows:
- Wednesday, 14th Aug 2024: Vigil and Mass at Zana Residence.
- Thursday, 15th Aug: Requiem Mass at St. Gyaviira Catholic Church Bunamwaya at 10:00 a.m., followed by an overnight vigil at Zana Residence.
- Friday, 16th Aug: Mass at 10:00 a.m. at Kyengera Residence, followed by an overnight vigil.
- Saturday, 17th Aug: Body leaves for Kalagala Village in Kaliisizo, Rakai District, for a vigil.
- Sunday, 18th Aug: The burial ceremony begins at 10:00 a.m. at Kalagala Village, Kaliisizo, in Rakai District.
Tamale Mirundi’s journey began when he was appointed President Museveni’s spokesperson in 2003. He quickly gained a reputation for his fierce loyalty, willing to say anything to defend the President. This approach earned him both admirers and critics.
Born in Matale-Kalagala Village, Kalisizo Town Council, Kyotera District, he was the ninth child of Molly and the late Tamale Mirundi. He moved to Kampala in 1979 for secondary school and started writing for the Munno newspaper in 1981 while still in Senior Three at Rubaga S.S.
Mirundi later graduated with a degree in Mass Communication from Makerere University. In 1998, he left Munno to start his own newspapers, The Voice and Lipoota, but these ventures did not succeed.
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