Tamale Mirundi: From Humble Beginnings to State House
Joseph Tamale Mirundi, who passed away on the evening of August 13, 2024, made a remarkable journey from his modest beginnings to becoming a key figure in Uganda’s political landscape. Starting his career as a newspaper vendor, Mirundi rose to hold influential positions, including that of presidential press secretary and senior presidential advisor on media matters.
At the time of his death, Mirundi was serving as the spokesperson for the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) in the Buganda sub-region. The PLU, formerly known as the MK Movement, is chaired by Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces and senior presidential advisor on special operations.
Mirundi was known for his outspoken nature as a socio-political commentator, not hesitating to share his unfiltered opinions on various issues. His commentary style and bold statements made him a prominent and controversial figure in Ugandan media.
Throughout his career, Mirundi authored several books, which some critics dismissed as mere pamphlets. Despite this, he actively promoted his works during his radio and TV appearances, asserting that his books contained valuable insights and were affordably priced.
Mirundi was born between 1960 and 1964 in Matale village, Rakai district, according to his mother, Molly Mirundi. She mentioned that he was her ninth child and that his father was the late Tamale Mirundi.
Veteran journalist John Kakande, who knew Mirundi since 1986, described him as a dedicated and independent-minded journalist. Kakande recalled that Mirundi, who initially worked with Munno, a Luganda newspaper run by the Catholic Church, was known for his straightforwardness and commitment to his beliefs.
Kakande noted that Mirundi, who later appeared as a panellist on political talk shows in Kampala, was initially critical of the government. His career took a a major turn when he was recruited by President Yoweri Museveni as deputy press secretary. Mirundi’s tenure as presidential press secretary lasted until July 2015, but the reasons for his departure remain unclear.
Despite facing internal conflicts at State House, Mirundi remained grateful to President Museveni. He publicly acknowledged the President’s role in his personal and professional success, including the education of his children in prestigious universities in Scotland. Mirundi also expressed his appreciation for the President’s assistance in resolving a personal conflict involving his mother in 2009.
Known for his sharp criticisms of the Mengo based Buganda Kingdom’s administration, Mirundi was one of the most abrasive and confrontational aides to have served as presidential press secretary. His tenure was marked by his blunt and often controversial public statements.
A Complex Figure in Uganda’s Media Landscape
Egesa Leonard, a friend of Tamale Mirundi shared a long personal story about the late media personality:
I first heard about Joseph Tamale Mirundi in the 1990s, but at that time, I did not pay much attention to him. My interest grew in the 2000s when he was appointed Presidential Press Secretary. It wasn’t until around 2008 that I began listening to his radio segments.
For several years, I followed his commentary. Mirundi was known for his humor, sharp wit, and candidness. His appearances on radio were often filled with both laughter and controversy.
In 2017, I became involved in a conflict over land grabs in Old Kampala. The local Member of Parliament, a friend and ‘relative’ of Mirundi, was implicated in the land grabs. He provided Mirundi with an inaccurate account of the situation, leading Mirundi to accuse my alumni association of being a mafia organization on air.
Despite attempting to reach Mirundi for a discussion on three separate occasions, I was unable to connect with him. Frustrated, I sent him a message stating:
“Mr. Mirundi, son of Yowana Mirundi and Molly Namatovu. You refused to meet with me to hear my side of the story and review the documentary evidence regarding the Old Kampala SSS land issue. I want to assure you that African Gods are fair and fatal. They will strike you and teach you a lesson for wrongly accusing innocent people.”
Within three minutes, Mirundi called me and arranged to meet the following day on Dewinton Road at 10 a.m. He was punctual, and we spent three hours discussing the issue on the street. I provided him with detailed information and documentary evidence. Mirundi, who had been listening attentively, asked a few questions but was otherwise focused on understanding the situation.
At the end of our meeting, Mirundi asked if I was Kenyan and if I had worked in Kenya for an extended period. I confirmed both, and he concluded that only someone with experience dealing with mafia-like situations in Kenya could handle similar issues in Uganda. He expressed a desire to remain friends and appreciated my intelligence. He dropped the Old Kampala SSS land topic, never revisiting it on his broadcasts.
Our interactions continued intermittently. Occasionally, he would call to discuss current events or seek my analysis of contentious news stories. On one occasion, he chose to use my analysis of a refugee issue in Uganda verbatim, requesting that I send it as a text message.
I also remember a particularly memorable meeting where he invited me to a pork joint in Lubaga near the Lord Mayor’s residence. His stories and humor, including anecdotes about women with diastemas and ghost catching methods in Kalagala, made for an unforgettable experience.
Through our conversations and his radio programs, I learned a great deal from Mirundi. Despite his often comical delivery, his skill in mass communication and message packaging was evident.
In early 2024, we spoke briefly, but I did not have the opportunity to follow his recent YouTube and radio content extensively. However, I recognize his significant contributions and the value he brought to the media landscape.
I extend my condolences to Mr. Joseph Tamale Mirundi’s family. May his soul be judged fairly, and may he rest in the manner he wished—to stand in power.
