Tamale Mirundi is Dead

Uganda received somber news on the morning of August 13th, 2024, as former Presidential Press Secretary, Joseph Tamale Mirundi, passed away at Kisubi Hospital after a prolonged battle with diabetes and hypertension. His death marks the end of an era in Ugandan media and politics, where he was both a revered and polarizing figure.

Tamale Mirundi was a man who embodied contradiction. Known for his sharp tongue and unfiltered opinions, he served as the spokesman for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for 12 years, a role in which he became synonymous with unwavering loyalty to the first family. His defense of the government, often laced with humor and biting wit, earned him both staunch supporters and fierce critics. Yet, beyond the controversy, he was a man of deep convictions, a “free spirit” who spoke from the heart, unafraid of the consequences.

Born between 1960 and 1964 in Rakai District to the late Tamale Mirundi and Molly Mirundi, Tamale’s early life shaped the man he would become. He often credited his mother for his bold, often brash demeanor, recalling how she held a low opinion of many, instilling in him a sense of skepticism and fierce independence. This characteristic defined his career, whether as a media consultant, current affairs analyst, or a self-appointed propagandist, where he consistently sought to steer public discourse.

In 2009, during the contentious protests over the government’s decision to prevent the Kabaka of Buganda from visiting Kayunga, Mirundi’s unwavering support for the government’s stance cemented his reputation as a staunch defender of the regime. His public justification for the temporary shutdown of four radio stations during the same period further demonstrated his willingness to take unpopular positions, often at the cost of his own public image.

Despite the controversies, those who knew him personally describe him as a man of empathy, sensitivity, and even charm—a stark contrast to his public persona. His ability to connect with people, to speak his truth regardless of the setting, made him a unique figure in Ugandan media and politics. He was never easily swayed, and his ideological rigidity often turned debates in his favor, making him a formidable presence in any discussion.

As Uganda mourns the passing of Tamale Mirundi, the nation is reminded of a man who was more than his public image—a complex figure who navigated the treacherous waters of politics and media with an unmatched fervor. His voice, once a dominant force in shaping public opinion, is now silenced, leaving a void that will not easily be filled.

Burial arrangements are yet to be announced, and the nation awaits to pay its final respects to a man whose life was as vibrant as it was controversial.