SML Media Fraternity Eulogizes Tamale Mirundi.
By Joselyn Nakitto and Amos Ssemuwemba
It is a somber mood at both residences of the late Joseph Tamale Mirundi in Zana and Kyengera, as mourners from different walk of life flood in, to offer their solidarity to the grieving family in these trying moments.
Renowned Journalist, Civil Servant and Social-Political commentator Tamale Mirundi passed on yesterday, August 13, 2024 at Kisubi Hospital in kampala where he had been receiving treatment for over a month.
With a heavy heart, Veteran Journalist Sir Simon Muyanga Lutaaya, the Chief Exceutive Officer, SML News UG, Inside Out show host and a close friend to the late described him as a fierce man and at the same time a kind loving family man, who has his country at heart.
“I have known Mr. Tamale Mirundi for a very long time both on a personal and Professional level. In him, I found a friend, who was true and genuine beyond reasonable doubt. There was no single time i ever need his help and he let me down. Throughout my journalism and political career, he’s one of the people I have always looked up to and learnt a lot from. He advised me ethically and on people, I will miss Tamale Mirundi forever. I don’t what to talk about Tamale Mirundi, because when I talk about him, my heart gets down; Rest in Peace my brother, till we meet again.” Sir Simon Muyanga Lutaaya said.
Tamale would never talk about an issue randomly, he always made his research. “This explains why I have always hosted him on my political talk shows. Without a doubt we’ve had an incredible working relationship which I am going to miss for the rest of my life.” He noted.
He added that “I fondly remember him for his influential and sometimes controversial commentary. He had a complex and pivotal connection with SML News UG and sir simon Muyanga Lutaaya YouTube channel. When we opened our offices last year, he was the first person to support me because of his kindness and passion in supporting young initiatives, especially those related to development of media houses. He has been attending our talk shows, coming every week in the spirit of growing our journalism. Tamale Mirundi is one person you cannot forget, he is one of those who started building SML News Ug, even when it was small and negligible, he gave us time.”
Some of the Staff members of SML Media fraternity have also commended Tamale’s Professional character. “I met Tamale Mirundi way back at Baba TV, I was working as head of online and editor for their show, “The Big Story” that was hosted by Sir Simon Muyanga Lutaaya. The relationship I had with him grew beyond work and turned into friendship” Mwanga Mathias, Director Programs & Outreach, Debu & Fi Initiative a sister company to SML News UG, said.
He added that, “Whenever Tamale met us, he would give us tips. When the “Inside out” show started at SML News UG, we still hosted him and our relationship grew stronger. In a warm and friendly way he used to call me ‘Muwanga Omuto’. He was more of a father to us.”
All staff at SML had hoped that he would recover and come back for his shows
Latifah Matovu, Administrator Debu & Fi and Production Assistant, says “We are in a sorrow state for the loss of our dear, father, friend and colleague whom we have been hosting at our shows every week. He may appear as a tough man, but in reality he was just a straightforward person who spoke the truth as it was. I was personally coordinating with him, picking him for the shows wherever he would be. All of us had hoped that he would beat the illness and come back to us, only to wake to the unfortunate news of his death.
Mourners have gathered tonight the late’s residence in Zana for vigil and Mass.
There will be Requiem Mass at St. Gyavira Catholic Church Bunamwaya at 10:00am on Thursday 15, August.
On Friday 16, August, the body will be taken to his residence in Kyengera for Mass at 10:00am and overnight vigil.
On Saturday 17, August, the body will leave for Kalagala Village, in Kalisizo, Rakai District.
On Sunday 18, August, he will be laid to rest at his ancestral home in Kalagala Village, in Kalisizo, Rakai District.
