Here’s all you need to know about Joseph Tamale Mirundi, the veteran political commentator and presidential advisor who passed away on Tuesday night, marking the end of an era for a man who had been at the center of the nation’s politics for decades.
He succumbed to lung-related complications at around 11:40 P.M. at Kisubi Hospital in Kampala, where he had been receiving treatment for over a month.
Born in 1964 in Rakai District, Mirundi was a journalist, author, and political analyst known for his sharp and often controversial commentary across various media platforms.
His contributions spanned a range of outlets, including Radio 4, NBS TV, Top Radio, Beat FM, ABS TV, Impact FM, STV Uganda, Pearl FM, and Metro FM.
He was admired and criticized in equal measure, with his outspoken nature earning him a big following as well as numerous dislikers.
Mirundi’s career in the public eye was closely tied to his role as the presidential press secretary, a position he held for approximately 13 years until his dismissal by President Yoweri Museveni in July 2015.
Despite the abrupt end to his official duties, Mirundi continued to wield influence as a presidential advisor on media matters, a role he maintained until his death.
Mirundi’s educational background was as solid as his professional one.
He attended Lubiri Secondary School before pursuing higher education, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication and a Master’s degree in Communication.