Political commentator and presidential advisor on media matters, Joseph Tamale Mirundi Snr, has passed away. The former presidential press secretary died of lung-related complications on Tuesday night around 11:40 p.m. at Kisubi Hospital in Kampala, according to his family.
“He had been in the hospital for over a month. He had even started showing signs of improvement. On Sunday and Monday, he seemed okay. The doctors said he had water in his lungs, and they were draining it. But today, his condition worsened. When they tried to drain the fluid again, it was blood,” one of his sons shared with journalists over the phone.
Mirundi had served as President Museveni’s press secretary for about 13 years until he was dismissed from the role in July 2015. Since then, he had been a regular commentator on politics and current affairs, making appearances on various television stations and vlogs.
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.”
Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba also paid tribute to Mirundi on his X (formerly Twitter) account, describing him as a patriotic friend and brother. “I am deeply saddened by the passing of my friend and brother, Tamale Mirundi. We were friends and colleagues for over 20 years. He was bold and fearless, always fighting for the truth. Uganda has lost a patriot who loved his country. May his soul rest in peace,” he wrote.
Who was Tamale Mirundi?
Born in 1964 to Molly Namatovu and Yowana Mirundi, the outspoken National Resistance Movement (NRM) member attended Rubaga Senior Secondary School before joining Makerere University.
Tamale Mirundi was appointed President Museveni’s spokesman in 2003. Over time, he gained a reputation as someone who would say anything to defend the President, winning both admirers and critics.
Born in Matale-Kalagala Village, Kalisizo Town Council, Kyotera District, Mirundi was the ninth child of Molly and the late Tamale Mirundi. He moved to Kampala in 1979 for secondary school and began writing for Munno newspaper in 1981 while still in Senior Three at Rubaga S.S.
He later earned a degree in Mass Communication from Makerere University. In 1998, he left Munno to start his own newspapers, The Voice and Lipoota, but neither managed to take off.
Funeral Program Announced for Late Ugandan Advisor Tamale Mirundi
The funeral arrangements have been shared by Faruk Kirunda, the deputy press secretary to President Museveni:
- 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., then 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: The body will be taken to Kalagala Village in Kaliisizo, Rakai District, for a vigil.
- Sunday, 18th Aug: The burial will take place at 10:00 a.m. in Kalagala Village, Kaliisizo, Rakai District.
