Summary:
- Museveni described Tamale as a self-styled, independent-minded public intellectual who garnered a large following, particularly on social media and in mainstream media.
RAKAI: President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has eulogized his former Presidential Press Secretary, Joseph Tamale Mirundi, describing him as a social philosopher and media guru.
The President’s tribute was delivered by Vice President Maj. Rtd. Jessica Alupo on August 18, 2024, during the burial of Tamale Mirundi in Rakai District. The former Museveni spokesperson passed away last Tuesday due to lung-related complications.
President Museveni remarked that in a political organization, cadres play the role of priests, as they internalize and disseminate the ideology of the party.
“You cannot have a Pope with followers without priests and bishops,” the president noted.
He likened Tamale Mirundi to a priest within the NRM Party, saying, “He was able to articulate our four principles: Patriotism, Pan-Africanism, Socio-economic transformation, and Democracy.”
On behalf of the government, the NRM Party, and himself, the president extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and the entire nation, adding that “Tamale Mirundi had become a household name due to his brave and truthful commentary on current affairs both within the country and abroad.”
Museveni described Tamale as a self-styled, independent-minded public intellectual who garnered a large following, particularly on social media and in mainstream media.
“He was very articulate and passionate about governance, fighting corruption, service delivery, fairness, and equality,” the president added.
President Museveni urged Tamale’s children to draw inspiration from their father’s legacy.
“We shall all die in the end; there is no other destination. The difference is that some die after a dishonorable or stale life. Tamale Mirundi is not with us today,” he said.
He further noted that Tamale departed after a distinguished service to his motherland, and those associated with him should take pride in his memory, without letting the sense of loss diminish this pride.
Museveni concluded by commiserating with Tamale’s children and the entire family, assuring them that the NRM is a large clan that will support them in the absence of their family head and breadwinner.
The Life of Tamale Mirundi
Born in Rakai District, Tamale Mirundi’s educational background is not extensively documented. However, he was a well-known political analyst, media personality, and former presidential press secretary to President Museveni.
He was widely recognized for his outspoken and often controversial views on various political and social issues in Uganda. Mirundi’s career in media and politics made him a prominent figure in the country. He is survived by 40 children and multiple wives.
His burial ceremony was attended by ministers, religious leaders, politicians, and members of the judiciary, who eulogized him as a media guru and an author of several books that discussed his views on politics, governance, and society in Uganda.
