KAMPALA, UGANDA – The media and political fraternity in Uganda has been thrown into mourning following the death of prominent journalist, author, and political analyst Joseph Tamale Mirundi at the age of 59 years. Well-known in Ugandan politics and media fraternity, Mirundi was a graduate of Makerere University.
Born in 1964, in Rakai District, Mirundi started his career as a part-time writer with the newspaper Munno before he became a professional journalist. Some of the things he had done include serving as presidential press secretary and media advisor, as well as representing the National Resistance Movement in various capacities. Mirundi was also a usual suspect on Ugandan television, appearing on political programs such as “Sharp Talk” on STV Uganda, “One on One” on NBS Television, and “Embuga” on STV Uganda.
He founded an online newspaper in 2022 known as Kab News, through which he passed on news and insights. During his influential career, Mirundi faced a number of controversies, including a suspension in 2017 from his TV show, “One On One,” because of abusive language and a defamation case filed by lawyer Mabirizi. He has also suffered setbacks in his personal life, among which his first wife, Juliet Nassimbwa, filed for divorce over political differences and his claim of having been poisoned in 2019.
Mirundi had been admitted for an unknown ailment to the Intensive Care Unit of Kisubi Hospital off Entebbe Road. His condition deteriorated recently, raking in complications that led to his death at about 11:45 PM Tuesday night. Despite efforts put into managing his condition, which involved draining fluid from his lungs, the situation worsened as blood was found in his lungs.
Mirundi’s contributions to the media and politics of Uganda will always be remembered in their critical analysis and fearless commentary. Notably, he was acknowledged and rewarded by President Yoweri Museveni for his media work and was renowned for predicting some great politics of Uganda, like the rise of the People Power party under Bobi Wine.
Mr Mirundi is survived by his parents, Molly Namatovu and Yowana Mirundi. Details of the funeral and burial arrangements will be announced in due course. The Makerere University community joins the many others across Uganda in mourning and celebrating a life that has touched not many Thomson Media School graduates but the media and public service fraternity.
