Kampala, Uganda | By Michael Wandati | The nation is in mourning following the death of distinguished media figure and former presidential press secretary, Joseph Tamale Mirundi, who passed away on August 14, 2024 at Kisubi Hospital.
At the age of sixty, Mirundi was serving as a senior presidential advisor on media and public relations—a role he had complex feelings about. Born to Molly Namatovu and Yowana Mirundi from Matale Kalagala, Rakai district, Mirundi leaves behind a legacy that is viewed in varying lights. To some, he was a bold and unrestrained commentator, while others remember him as a reflective and independent voice in the media.
Joseph Tamale Mirundi gained fame for his fearless critique of government excesses, even while being part of the ruling establishment. Starting from modest beginnings as a school dropout, Mirundi was brought to Kampala by his brother, Ssali, who worked with Munno Publications in the early 1980s.
Initially, Mirundi began with newspaper vending, assisting his brother, but soon developed a passion for writing, particularly in the letters to the editor section. His dedication to journalism led to reporting roles and he quickly made a name for himself.
Sponsored for short-term training by the paper, Mirundi advanced rapidly, becoming chief reporter and eventually editor. However, he left the paper in the early 1990s after a disagreement with board members over ethical issues.
In the mid-1990s, Mirundi established Lipoota Publications, launching “Lipoota” in Luganda and “The Report” in English. While the latter was short-lived, both publications struggled due to the challenging economic conditions of the media industry at the time.
Mirundi then founded The Voice, which received financial backing from former minister Sam Kuteesa. Despite initial support, this venture also failed. He is remembered for his efforts to preserve media freedom during a period when the government sought to impose stricter regulations, including requiring journalists to have formal qualifications.
These regulations led to a push for self-regulation among media practitioners, which ultimately faltered and contributed to a divide within the industry as mass communication education expanded at Makerere University.
The Uganda Journalists Association (UJA) was primarily composed of the less formally educated journalists, while the elite, who were often affiliated with Monitor Publications, were members of the Uganda Newspaper Editors and Proprietors Association (UNEPA). Joseph Tamale Mirundi was a prominent figure in the former group and even served as its president at one point.
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In 2003, Mirundi returned to academia and earned a degree from Makerere University, with financial support from President Yoweri Museveni. Mirundi went on to become the longest-serving presidential press secretary, holding the position for 13 years.
His close relationship with President Museveni was highlighted by a memorable instance where he won a bet with the president regarding the defeat of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) leader, Joseph Kony, in northern Uganda.
In 2015, Mirundi was dismissed from his role as press secretary under circumstances he described as involving intrigue, blackmail, and sectarianism.
Despite this, he continued to publicly support Museveni while critiquing the government’s excesses with his characteristic dramatic and often abrasive style. Regardless of his polarizing methods, Mirundi was seen as a passionate and patriotic figure. Rest in peace, Joseph Tamale Mirundi.
