President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has paid tribute to the late Joseph Tamale Mirundi, recognizing his role in amplifying the message of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) through the media.
Mr. Mirundi, a renowned political analyst, author, and former Presidential Press Secretary, died on August 13, 2024.
In a message delivered by Haji Faruk Kirunda, the Special Presidential Assistant on Press and Mobilization and Deputy Presidential Press Secretary, during a memorial mass at St. Gyaviira Catholic Parish in Bunamwaya, President Museveni described Mirundi as “a good cadre and a strategic communicator.”
“I urge his children and grandchildren to carry on his good works,” the President said, adding that the NRM had lost a dedicated figure who became a household name for his outspoken contributions on radio and television talk shows.
The President thanked Mirundi’s family for organizing the memorial event, marking one year since his passing, and commended the Church for leading the service. He also contributed Shs 30 million to support the commemoration.
Haji Kirunda encouraged the late Mirundi’s children to remain united and consider forming a family SACCO for possible government support. He also launched the construction of Mirundi Media Plaza, a Shs 1 billion project, pledging 300 bags of cement on behalf of the Kirunda family and assuring the family of President Museveni’s backing to see the project through.
Frank Gashumba, a political commentator and close friend of the late, praised Mirundi as a loyal friend, despite occasional disagreements, and pledged 100 bags of cement towards the plaza’s construction.
Mirundi’s elder brother, John Ssali Mirundi, expressed gratitude to President Museveni for his support during his brother’s illness and urged the family to protect his legacy. He noted that the family had reconciled with the Buganda Kingdom, with whom the late had previously clashed.
Speaking on behalf of the children, Ms. Teddy Nantongo thanked the President for giving her father the opportunity to serve in State House and unveiled a plan to establish Mirundi Media Plaza in Mpambire, along Masaka Road.
Fr. Francis Semuddu, who led the memorial mass, hailed Mirundi as a remarkable man who left an enduring mark on Uganda’s political and media landscape.
