Yozefu Tamale Mirundi – the passing of a rebel and sophist

August 14, 2024 in Letters by Editor

Tamale Mirundi courtesy photo

Michael Wakabi

Ugandan journalist, political analyst, and social commentator Yozefu Tamale Mirundi, who passed away on August 13 at the age of 60, was a compelling public debater who entertained as much as he provoked. Gifted with a rare understanding of human nature and a sharp wit, Mirundi carved a unique niche for himself in Uganda’s often treacherous political landscape, garnering universal appeal across the political divide.

As a sophist, he could make compelling arguments for whatever he chose to defend. Often adopting provocative positions that were uniquely his own, Tamale took on the persona of a philosopher, endearing himself to the public—even when they didn’t agree with his views. This persona gave him the license to engage in extreme antics, such as carrying a hammer for “self-defense” and, on another occasion, pulling a machete out of his jacket on live television. These acts were seen by the public as satirical commentary on the deteriorating state of public safety in the country.

He was known for taking no prisoners, often using coarse language. Despite being a Muganda and a Catholic, neither the church nor the monarchy escaped his

sometimes withering criticism. Even after bitter partings, he would often reconcile with his adversaries, leading to momentary truces. Mirundi was also spiritually enigmatic, professing dual allegiance to Catholicism and traditional religious beliefs, and at times even confessing to practicing witchcraft.

Born in Kalagala village, Kalisizo in the rural countryside of Rakai district, Mirundi was a self-made man and journalist, unfazed by authority or power. As a reporter at the defunct Catholic daily Munno, Mirundi frequently stood up against mismanagement, unbothered by the church hierarchy. His role as a senior political writer at Munno gave him the exposure and visibility that would propel him to greater heights. In October 1990, during a press conference, he confronted President Museveni about his inexplicable shift in position when he accepted peace talks with the rebel Uganda Peoples Democratic Movement/Army. When Museveni attempted to belittle him by asking him to restate his question “in the language you understand best,” Mirundi, undeterred, repeated his question in Luganda.

This episode set a precedent that other senior journalists would often invoke, requesting to direct their questions to the president in vernacular. Years later, during another press conference, he challenged President Museveni directly, telling him that his threats to eliminate Lord’s Resistance Army leader Joseph Kony were becoming empty talk. A bemused Museveni challenged Mirundi to a UGX 1.5 million wager, promising to eliminate Kony within six months. Museveni lost the bet and made good on his promise to pay. Mirundi’s forceful character was further illustrated during a trip to a Scandinavian country in the mid-1990s when customs officials attempted to confiscate surplus bottles of Uganda Waragi he had brought for his own consumption. They relented after he asked for a place to sit so he could drink the surplus alcohol on the spot.

The pinnacle of his professional life came when Museveni appointed him as his Press Secretary, a position he held for an impressive 13 years. His acerbic attacks on both opposition and ruling party members drew ire within the National Resistance Movement (NRM). To the delight of many in the ruling elite, he was fired from his role as Press Secretary in January 2021. However, Museveni retained him as a Senior Presidential Advisor on Media, preserving his privileges and entitlements while allowing him more time to indulge in his favorite pastimes, such as participating in talk shows and launching his own YouTube channel.

As his health began to decline in 2023, Mirundi initially resisted efforts to seek treatment abroad. Later, under family pressure, he accepted a presidential offer for referral abroad. Upon his return, he resumed his public life with renewed vigor, reconciling with former foes and becoming a key figure in First Son Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s bid to succeed President Museveni.

As a journalist, Mirundi also ventured into publishing, leading the short-lived Lipoota newspaper in the mid-1990s and producing several pamphlets on topical issues, which he sold for UGX 1,000 each. True to his nature of being in control of his affairs, he was often seen personally selling his publications on the streets. Mirundi covered Uganda’s political upheavals from Milton Obote’s tumultuous second presidency to the post-1986 political and economic reconstruction. He also reported on regional conflicts, including the 1990 invasion of Rwanda by refugees from Uganda and the protracted post-Mobutu conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

As he passes into history, Yozefu Tamale Mirundi leaves behind the legacy of an enigmatic figure—a rebel who thrived in chaos and lived life largely on his own terms.