Mirundi had earlier been admitted at the Intensive Care Unit of Kisubi hospital off Entebbe Road over an undisclosed illness
A popular commentator on Ugandan politics, Mirundi passed away on Tuesday night at Kisubi Hospital off Entebbe Road, according to family members.
“The family of Joseph Tamale Mirundi, Senior Presidential Advisor on Media and former Presidential Press Secretary, is in our thoughts and condolences during this difficult time,” said Minister for Luwero Triangle and Rwenzori region, Hon. Alice Kaboyo on X.
“His passing is a significant loss, and his contributions to the field of media and public service will be remembered and honored.”
Mirundi was admitted in the Intensive Care Unit of Kisubi hospital about a month ago.
Doctors had for the past few weeks been sucking water from his lungs.
However, Mirundi’s condition deteriorated on Tuesday night when doctors found blood in his lungs.
He was pronounced dead at around 11:45pm.
In 2019, Mirundi claimed he had been poisoned without divulging more details.
Mirundi served as President Museveni’s press secretary for 13 years until 2015 when he was fired and replaced with Don Wanyama.
Born in 1964 in Rakai district, Mirundi attended Lubiri Secondary School.
He had a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication and a Master’s degree in Communication.
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.
Joseph Tamale Mirundi (30 June 1964 – 13 August 2024) was a Ugandan journalist, author and political analyst who appeared on prominent electronic media stations like NBS, Top Radio and other mainstream media channels and Social media platforms for political shows i.e. Sharp Talk with Tamale Mirundi on STV. In 2022, Tamale opened up an online newspaper where he published news and information named Kab News. He previously appeared on NBS Television on the One on One show. He also appeared on Top TV and ABS TV. In 2021, he joined STV Uganda on The Sharp Talk show and Embuga which was aired twice a week. He was a former presidential press secretary, and media advisor.
Joseph Tamale Mirundi will always be remembered as a bold journalist whose raw critique of authority sparked both conversation and controversy.
Tamale was a part-time writer for the newspaper Munno before he became a professional journalist. In 2017, he was suspended from the One On One show for use of abusive language. He was rewarded by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (President of the Republic of Uganda) with a new car for his media work. He also predicted the downfall of Eric Sakwa. He has predicted that the party People Power, Our Power under Bobi Wine would have more seats after the 2021 elections. In 2015, his first wife Juliet Nassimbwa wanted to divorce him due to political differences. He alleged that he was poisoned in 2019. He was also taken to court by lawyer Mabirizi over defamation. In 2015, the judges urged president Museveni to fire him over inciting violence in the citizens.
As of 16 June 2020, Tamale has ended his appearances on the One on One show at NBS Television. The following day he announced that the show would be available on Facebook and YouTube until further notice.
Tamale died from lung disease at Kisubi Hospital, on 13 August 2024, where he had been hospitalised for a month. He was 60.
My his soul RIP.
