By BM
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has pledged his full support towards the construction of the Mirundi Media Plaza, a project launched in honour of the late Joseph Tamale Mirundi, a former Presidential Press Secretary and outspoken political analyst.
Speaking through his Special Presidential Assistant on Press and Mobilization, and Deputy Presidential Spokesperson, Hajji Faruk Kirunda, the President described Mirundi as a “good cadre and strategic communicator” who used the media to amplify the message of the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
The pledge was made during a memorial mass at St. Gyaviira Catholic Parish, Bunamwaya, to mark one year since Mirundi’s passing on August 13, 2024.
President Museveni contributed Shs 30 million to support the commemorative event and promised to personally visit the family to commiserate with them.
“I urge his children and grandchildren to carry on his good works,” the President said in his message, also thanking the family for preserving Mirundi’s legacy and the Church for leading the memorial service.
The Mirundi Media Plaza project, estimated at Shs 1 billion, was officially launched by Haji Kirunda, who pledged 300 bags of cement on behalf of the Kirunda family.
He assured the gathering that the President would ensure the project’s success, noting Museveni’s past support when Mirundi sought to establish a printery.
Political commentator and close friend, Mr. Frank Gashumba, also pledged 100 bags of cement towards the initiative, while urging Mirundi’s children to remain disciplined and protect their father’s name.
Mr. John Ssali Mirundi, the elder brother of the late, thanked the President for standing by the family during Mirundi’s illness and after his death, revealing that the family had reconciled with the Buganda Kingdom, which had previously had differences with the late analyst.
On behalf of the children, Ms. Teddy Nantongo unveiled the vision for the plaza, which will be located in Mpambire along Masaka Road, as a tribute to her father’s legacy.
Fr. Francis Semuddu, who led the memorial mass, praised the late Mirundi as a man who left an indelible mark on Uganda’s political and media landscape.
