Inside Story: What really killed Ex-Museveni spokesman, Tamale Mirundi?

Joseph Tamale Mirundi, a well-known political commentator and presidential advisor on media matters, passed away on August 13th 2024. The former presidential press secretary succumbed to lung-related complications on Tuesday at approximately 11:40 p.m. at Kisubi Hospital in Kampala, according to family sources.

Tamale had been hospitalized for over a month and was showing signs of recovery. On Sunday and Monday, according to one of his sons as shared over the phone with a reporter said that he appeared to be doing well. “The doctors informed us that there was fluid in his lungs, which they were draining. However, today his condition worsened, and when they attempted to remove the fluid, it turned out to be blood.”

• Mirundi was appointed President Museveni’s spokesman in 2003. He over the time curved out for himself the reputation of a man who would say anything to defend the President, along the way winning as many admirers as enemies and leaving no one in the middle.
• He was born in Matale-Kalagala Village, Kalisizo Town Council, Kyotera District as the ninth child of Molly and the late Tamale Mirundi.
• He came to Kampala in 1979 for secondary school, and began writing for Munno newspaper in 1981 while in Senior Three at Rubaga S.S.
• He graduated with a degree in Mass Communication from Makerere University. In 1998, he left Munno to start his own two newspapers, The Voice and Lipoota, but the newspapers failed to pick up.
• Born in 1964 to Molly Namatovu and Yowana Mirundi, the outspoken National Resistance Movement (NRM) members went to Rubaga Senior Secondary School for higher education and later joined Makerere University.

Tamale Mirundi’s childhood

Mirundi’s mother is not sure of his age but she thinks he was born between 1960 and 1964 iin Matale-Kalagala Village, Kalisizo Town Council, Rakai District. He is the ninth child of his mother. His parents are Molly Mirundi and the late Tamale Mirundi.

When tasked to explain the events that shaped him, Tamale is quick to give credit to his village. “We had cannibals and witchdoctors in our village, these are all things I witnessed firsthand,” he proudly remarks. His was a unique family in a much disciplined village. He recounts a day when nine people were killed for stealing bananas and chicken.

“Our village never tolerated indiscipline, we had no village courts but justice still prevailed.” Mirundi talks about the various men in his village that formed the core of the values he believes in. He talks of men like Petero Nswa who was excommunicated from the Catholic Church. Nswa was a tailor. One Christmas morning, he woke up expecting to find breakfast on the table only to find out that his wife had left for prayers. Welding a stick in his hand, he headed for the church where he found his wife kneeling infront of a St Joseph statue. He hit it and broke it into pieces. He was thus summarily excommunicated.

“I would go to Nswa’s house when it rained to find out whether his home used to receive rain. Even though he was deserted by the villagers, Nswa got even stronger and more authoritative.”
Mirundi also remembers men like Kasumba who many thought would die after subjecting a Catholic priest to a thorough beating having caught him red-handed with his wife. There was also Rwabuchocho who slapped his mother-in-law. Rwabuchocho gained popularity because he did not suffer for his actions.

“Because of such people, I am able to comment on many things that people fear to comment on.” Mirundi explains things with clarity. Complex issues he breaks down for the peasants. You can’t help but welcome his pithy analogies – concise and full of meaning.
Mirundi says he gets his arrogance from his mother.

“I inherited my mother’s arrogance. She always had a low opinion of many people,” says Mirundi. He adds that unlike women in Matale, his mother was not involved in rumour mongering. “My mother was a bit aloof and that’s me,” Mirundi proudly explains.

Even when he stood for MP, he rejected certain things like going to a witchdoctor or paying Catholic priests to praise him in church. The constituency voters all agreed that he was a wise young man but he seemed so detached. Perhaps, that’s why he lost the elections.

A man without close friends

Mirundi grew up differently because he claims he talked very early in his life. Many people thought his mother had produced a musambwa. He grew up a loner.

“I only befriend someone when our interests meet,” says Mirundi. Like the man for whom he has served as spokesperson for 10 years, Mirundi has no close friends and he takes independent decisions.
“There is nobody who can claim to be a close friend of mine,” he explains. He speaks in a folksy style, so characteristic of the countryside, where he was groomed.

Even though he once lost two children on the same day, this for him was not the saddest day of his life. “The day my father died hit me so hard. I admired him so much,” he says rather sadly. However, like many village bred men, his happiest day was the first time he came to Kampala in 1979.

In 1981, Mirundi impregnated a fellow student. His first son was born in the same year. This first partner of Mirundi was taken to London immediately after she delivered. Her family was very rich and to them, Mirundi was a poor person who had no future. He wishes, the same family that despised him could look where he is today and see how he has fought through all odds and finally made it.

Tamale Mirundi appointed advisor to Buruuli King

Tamale Mirundi was appointed advisor to Buruuli King on May 27, 2015. Buruli chiefdom based in Nakasongola District, like Banyala chiefdom in Kayunga District, isn’t recognised by Buganda Kingdom and they have been on collusion course which has sometimes led to deadly riots.

Mr Tamale is a known critic of the Buganda Kingdom and its projects. Isaabaruli Mwogezi also sacked the chiefdom premier, Erukamu Kwebeya, deputy premier, Lutaya Gaweera, and seven ministers. The Isaabaruuli fired his cabinet in January 2021 and appointed an interim committee to run the chiefdom affairs until he announced the new cabinet.

Tamale Mirindi’s Journalism Career

Journalist Felix Kyeyune, who collaborated with Tamale Mirundi at The Voice newspaper in the late 1990s, recalls that Mirundi’s journalism career began at Munno, a newspaper owned by the Catholic Church. Prior to this, Mirundi had worked as a newspaper vendor at Ngabo in the early 1990s. He eventually launched his own Luganda-language tabloid, Lipoota, though it later folded. In 1998, he became a business partner and served as the chief editor at The Voice newspaper.

Mirundi was also a pioneer panelist on Radio Simba’s political talk shows Gasimbagane ne Bannamawulire and Olutindo. Known for his maverick approach to journalism, he frequently moved between media houses, being hired and fired in equal measure. Following the collapse of The Voice in November 2000, Mirundi attempted to enter politics as a Member of Parliament, but success eluded him in this endeavor.

Tamale Mirundi: Ripping open the motor-mouthed politician

It is amazing how a young Joseph Tamale Mirundi’s desire to become a journalist was tickled. During his Senior Three in 1980, a literature teacher at Rubaga SS told Mirundi’s class to write an imaginary story. He imagined himself as a love letter being written by a lover and sent through the post office.

“In my story, the love letter was collected by my teacher; she put it in her bra, went home, stripped herself naked and began reading the love letter as I was peeping between her legs,” recollects Mirundi. Little did he know that the assignment would throw the whole school into pandemonium after his literature teacher sent his story to the head teacher.

“The headmaster asked if I had understood the assignment,” narrates Mirundi. The school administrators were all undecided as to what they should do to this teenager. However, after days of deliberations, Tamale was forgiven but on one condition.

A Fearless Critic with a Rosary in Hand

Joseph Tamale Mirundi, a name that became synonymous with fearless political commentary in Uganda, was more than just a media personality. Known for his sharp tongue and unyielding stance, Mirundi was a man who never shied away from controversy, even when addressing the clergy—an institution many consider untouchable in Ugandan society.

It’s almost paradoxical to imagine a man with a rosary around his neck, a symbol of piety and humility, simultaneously delivering cutting remarks that spared no one. Yet, that was Tamale Mirundi. The rosary, a constant presence around his neck, might have led some to expect a softer, more conciliatory figure. However, Mirundi defied those expectations. He was a devout Catholic, yes, but that didn’t stop him from speaking his mind, especially when he felt something was amiss.

Mirundi’s criticism wasn’t limited to politicians or public figures; it extended to religious leaders as well. He believed that the clergy, like any other group, should be held accountable for their actions and words. This stance made him a unique figure in Ugandan media—a man who combined deep religious faith with a relentless pursuit of truth and justice.

Mirundi’s Sharp Tongue: A Tool for Accountability

Tamale’s commentary often cut to the core of issues, leaving little room for ambiguity. This directness earned him both admiration and criticism. Admirers saw him as a fearless truth-teller, while critics viewed him as abrasive and confrontational.

His sharp tongue was particularly evident when discussing matters related to the clergy. Unlike many who might tread carefully around religious figures, Mirundi pulled no punches. He was vocal about what he perceived as hypocrisy within the church, and he wasn’t afraid to call out religious leaders who, in his view, failed to live up to their spiritual responsibilities.

Former Senior Presidential Press secretary Joseph Tamale Mirundi asked the minister of Finance Planning and Economic Development Matia Kasaija to also start levying taxes on people’s armpit and pubic hair since he is out of tax options. This was said due to Mirundi’s fury following the 12 tax-related bills that Kasaija had recently tabled before parliament under which government proposes several budget measures for the  financial year of 2021/2022.

Why Tamale Mirundi was sacked by Museveni

Tamale Mirundi was sacked as the Presidential Press Secretary in July 2015. He had served in that role for over a decade, but his dismissal was reportedly due to his controversial and outspoken nature, which often put him at odds with both the media and some government officials. After his removal, he continued to work as a Senior Presidential Advisor on Media.

When President Museveni returned from a tight scheduled trip in Teso sub-region (during that time before Tamale was sacked), it is said another meeting awaited him over his erstwhile press secretary Tamale Mirundi.

That meeting would resolve to draw the curtains on a 13-year-tenure of a press secretary who once described himself as “the President’s barking dog”. Mr Museveni had tasked Sabiti Muzeeyi, the deputy commander of the Special Forces Command (SFC) to bring Mr Tamale to State House Entebbe where a meeting was organised. Tensions were high.

Sources say at the meeting attended by Ms Linda Nabusayi (deputy press secretary), who has since taken over Mr Mirundi’s role; Maj Edith Nakalema (President’s private secretary); Brig Proscovia Nalweyiso (advisor on security matters) and Lucy Nakyobe (State House comptroller), a recording was played for the President, in which Mr Mirundi appeared to be insulting his boss and applauding Mr Amama Mbabazi.

Mr Mirundi confirmed that recordings had been played for the President but insisted they were “doctored”. He, however, added that this was not the first time “doctored recordings” were played for the President.
“Those who doctored the tapes are fools wasting time. Do they think Museveni believes them? I am recorded by Internal Security Organisation, State House and another private company, I also record myself. One time Mengo took a doctored recording too but Museveni rejected it,” he said.

Mr Mirundi’s protestations that recording were doctored opened a pandora’s box, resulting in accusations and counter-accusations.

Mr Mirundi says this was the second recording, adding that the first one, where he appears to insult the First Lady Janet Museveni, was given to the President two months ago. Mr Mirundi denied abusing the First Lady when the President asked him: “So you have now started abusing my wife?”

Mr Mirundi told the President: “These women want to kill me. Mzee, let me just go. I cannot take it anymore.”
A concerned Museveni asked: “What can I do to protect you?”

He explained that a waitress at Dewinton Road in Kampala had intimated to him that she had been approached to serve him poisoned beer, allegations which could not independently be verified.

President Museveni, however, ordered that Mr Mirundi’s security be beefed up and thereafter re-assigned Ms Linda Nabusayi to the new role of press secretary.

According to sources, Mr Mirundi was henceforth appointed presidential adviser on the media. Sources close to State House, who requested anonymity, intimated that the recordings on the First Family could have angered the President.

However, the apparent recordings of Mr Mirundi were perhaps a tip of the iceberg given the intrigue and palace wars inside State House.

The former press secretary, however, blamed his sacking on former premier Mbabazi’s invisible hand.

“You can join Mbabazi without knowing you have joined him. In fact, people are now calling me to say Museveni supports Mbabazi because he sacks those who are combative on Mbabazi,” Mr Mirundi said.

“You people don’t know how Mbabazi works. He has people in intelligence and even State House. He can fight you without you seeing him. Ever since I began attacking him, my problems have increased. The happiest people with my sacking are the Mbabazi group and the Opposition because I have been a headache to them,” Mr Mirundi said.

Mr Mbabazi’s spokesman, Mr Benjamin Alipanga, said there was no merit in Mirundi’s blaming his woes on Mr Mbabazi, declining to give credit to the “wild claims” by commenting further.

Ms Sarah Kagingo, who until recently was the president’s special assistant in charge of social media and left State House to run her own PR firm, Softpower Communications, said: “Tamale is not a thief, he is actually a very kind and cooperative man. I worked cordially with him for the short time I was in State House. We shall miss him.”

And several staff of the Presidential Press Unit (PPU) Daily Monitor contacted spoke highly of Mr Mirundi.
Mr Tamale also claims that his working style has not been well-received by the Presidency, minister Mr Frank Tumwebaze.

Mr Tumwebaze declined to comment on the matter. The Presidency minister, like many others on Mr Museveni’s Cabinet, have suffered Mr Mirundi’s verbal attacks during his radio and TV talk shows.

The then, Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) director Jennifer Musisi, Mengo establishment, the Catholic Church and Muslim factions, were not spared either. All that passed as if that was the President’s message, and Mirundi, a messenger.

Lung Complications vs Poisoning

Joseph Tamale Mirundi, known for his bold and often controversial remarks, once stated that he carried a hammer for self-protection against his enemies. This was just one of many extraordinary claims he made over the years.

In 2019, Mirundi revealed that he had been poisoned five times in the state house of Uganda, though it remains unclear whether he fully recovered from the ordeal. In a video, he discussed how he once helped Pastor Aloysius Bugingo, only to feel abandoned by him later. In contrast, Mirundi praised Pastor Samuel Kakande for providing him relief from a persistent stomach ailment, which he attributed to being poisoned multiple times while at State House. According to Mirundi, he relies on expensive medication to manage his condition.

Mirundi further claimed that he does not blame President Yoweri Museveni or his son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for the poisoning (killings), suggesting instead that there is a hidden assassin operating within the government. He even alleged that a member of parliament is responsible for orchestrating killings and accused Museveni’s brother-in-law (we couldn’t ascertain who he meant) of extracting internal organs from people. However, these allegations lack corroborating evidence and remain unverified.

It is hard to rule out Tamale’s words because of his long history in Ugandan politics and media, where he has been known for his deep connections and insider knowledge. His claims, though controversial, often reflect underlying tensions and issues within the political landscape, making them difficult to completely dismiss.

Rest In peace

The news of the death of the former presidential press secretary and presidential advisor on media matters, has prompted numerous eulogies and tributes from friends, government officials and media personnel.

“I am deeply saddened by the demise of Mr. Tamale Mirundi, a journalist whose unmatched analytical skills resonated across all walks of life. His unique voice and insights transcended boundaries; He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones,” says the NRM’s Deputy Secretary-General, Rose Namayanja.

Speaker of Parliament Anita Among also condoled with the family. “I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of my friend, Joseph Tamale Mirundi. As a journalist, civil servant, and social-political commentator, Mirundi made significant contributions to his country, and his loss leaves a great void. My sympathies go out to counsel John Mirundi, the entire family, his friends, and relatives. May his soul rest in peace,” she says on X.

The Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba says, “I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my friend and brother Tamale Mirundi. We were friends and colleagues for over 20 years. He was a bold and fearless person who always fought for the truth. Uganda has lost a patriot who loved his country. May his soul rest in peace”