Reports have confirmed the passing of Joseph Tamale Mirundi, a prominent Ugandan journalist, author, and political analyst. At 59, Mirundi succumbed to lung-related complications. He passed away at 11:40 P.M. on Tuesday at Kisubi Hospital in Kampala. His health had been deteriorating, despite showing signs of improvement earlier in the week. And here is Tamale Mirundi Senior’s biography and life.
Tamale Mirundi’s Health Struggle
Tamale Mirundi had been battling fluid accumulation in his lungs, a condition that required frequent medical attention. For over a month, he had been receiving treatment at Kisubi Hospital. On Tuesday, when doctors attempted to drain the fluid from his lungs, blood was extracted instead. This unexpected complication worsened his condition, leading to his untimely death.
A Life of Service and Controversy
Tamale Mirundi’s life was one of both service and controversy. Serving as the presidential press secretary until July 2015, Mirundi was a close aide to President Yoweri Museveni for nearly 13 years. His dismissal in 2015 did little to dim his influence in Ugandan media and politics. Known for his sharp commentary and outspoken nature, Mirundi continued to make headlines even after leaving public office.
In 2019, Mirundi revealed that he had been poisoned, a claim that sparked widespread concern and speculation. Whether he fully recovered from the incident remains unclear, but it undeniably added another layer of intrigue to his storied life.
Early Life and Education
Born in 1964 in Rakai District, Joseph Tamale Mirundi was the son of Molly Namatovu and Yowana Mirundi. He attended Lubiri Secondary School before pursuing higher education. Mirundi held a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication and a Master’s degree in Communication. These academic achievements laid the foundation for his illustrious career in journalism.
Contributions to Media
Throughout his career, Mirundi contributed to a wide range of media outlets, including Radio 4, NBS TV, Top Radio, and Beat FM. His voice and opinions were a staple across Ugandan airwaves, earning him a reputation as a fearless commentator. In addition to his media presence, Mirundi authored several books that offered insights into Ugandan politics and society.
Prolific Author and Thinker
He authored several books, including:
- Bafunda ne Serwajjokwota
- Who Keeps the President in Power?
- Uganda’s Oil: Is It a Curse or Scramble?
- What Divides the State and Religion
- Killing a Medical Doctor to Save a Cobbler
- From Crown Prince to Commoner
- How Mbabazi Plotted His Failed Coup
- The History of the Media in Uganda: Case of a Snake in a Cooking Pot; an Essential Handbook for Students of Mass Communication and Journalism
- Again at the Crossroad
- Bobi Wine: Victory or Revolution?
- Mafia Threatens Museveni’s Survival
- Banyampi
- The Making of Besigye
Legacy and Impact
Tamale Mirundi leaves behind a complex legacy and biography, one marked by both his service to the government and his relentless pursuit of the truth as he saw it. His passing has triggered an outpouring of grief from both colleagues and admirers, who remember him as a man unafraid to speak his mind.
His death marks the end of an era in Ugandan journalism, but his influence will undoubtedly persist through his writings and the many lives he touched.
