By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
NATIONAL
Journalists’ body, the Uganda Journalists Association (UJA) has described their fallen former President Tamale Mirundi as an encyclopedia of knowledge, exceptional intelligence and a passionate mentor in the media industry.
“The nation has lost a Media Icon who was an encyclopedia, prowess, exceptionally intelligent, a teacher, a patriot, passionate, humorous, mentor and a realist through his career,” UJA Eulogized.
The outspoken political analyst, former Senior Presidential Press Secretary, and Presidential Advisor on Media passed on Tuesday evening (August 13) at Kisubi Hospital Entebbe municipality, Wakiso district over yet to disclose disease.
In a condolence message by the association president, Mathias Rukundo, UJA said that Tamale Mirundi was a highly respected figure in the media fraternity who fiercely advocated for press freedom and fought against the draconian press and Journalists Act, championing the values of truth-telling, reasoning, freedom of expression and speech especially during his tenure as the association President. Tamale served as the vice president of UJA for in 1991-1994, and later as the President in 1994-1996 and 1998-2001.
“During his leadership, he strongly and passionately fought against the draconian Press and Journalist Act which he said was intended to undermine independent journalism, thereby advocating for a free press premised on strong values of truth telling, reasoning, freedom of expression and speech,” UJA eulogy read in parts.
Rukundo said Tamale has left an indelible mark in the media landscape which he labored to mentor during his life time. The deceased’s departure, Rukundo said, “creates a profound void in both the media fraternity and the broader community, and his legacy of courage and integrity will continue to inspire and guide us as we strive to uphold the values he championed.” “We therefore, commiserate with his family. May his Soul Rest in Peace.”
