President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has praised the late Joseph Tamale Mirundi for his unwavering commitment to promoting the message of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) through the media.
Mirundi, a well-known political analyst, author, and former Presidential Press Secretary, passed away on 13th August 2024.
Speaking through his Special Presidential Assistant on Press and Mobilization and Deputy Spokesperson, Haji Faruk Kirunda, during a memorial mass at St. Gyaviira Catholic Parish in Bunamwaya, the President described Mirundi as “a good cadre and a strategic communicator.”
“The NRM lost a good cadre and a strategic communicator. I urge his children and grandchildren to carry on his good works,” Museveni said.
The President also commended the family for organising the event, which marked one year since Mirundi’s passing, noting that it reflected their commitment to preserving his legacy. He extended his appreciation to the Church for leading the service and to friends and former colleagues who had continued to support the family.
“By the time he died, the late Tamale had become a household name. He was hailed for his outspoken nature, especially on radio and television talk shows,” Museveni’s message read.
During the event, Haji Kirunda encouraged Mirundi’s children to remain united and consider forming a SACCO to benefit from government support. He also officially launched the construction of the Shs1 billion Mirundi Media Plaza, pledging 300 bags of cement on behalf of the Kirunda family. He further assured them of President Museveni’s support for the project and promised that the President would personally visit and condole with the family.
Museveni also contributed Shs30 million towards the organisation of the memorial event, a gesture that was welcomed by family members and friends.
Political commentator and close friend of the late, Frank Gashumba, described Mirundi as a good friend with whom he occasionally disagreed on principle. He urged Mirundi’s children to remain disciplined and safeguard their father’s name, pledging 100 bags of cement towards the media plaza project.
John Ssali Mirundi, the elder brother, thanked the President for supporting the family throughout Mirundi’s illness and after his passing. He also revealed that the family had reconciled with the Buganda Kingdom, despite previous tensions involving the late.
Speaking on behalf of the children, Ms. Teddy Nantongo expressed gratitude to Museveni for the opportunity her father had to serve in State House. She also outlined plans for the Mirundi Media Plaza, to be built in Mpambire along Masaka Road.
Fr. Francis Semuddu lauded the family for organising the memorial mass, describing the late Mirundi as “a great man who left an indelible mark.”
