In a captivating interview on Radio 4’s Gw’ensonga talk show, hosted by Al-Mahadi Kungu, The late Joseph Tamale Mirundi, former Senior Presidential Press Secretary, shared his remarkable journey, exposing the intricate web of politics and deceit within Uganda’s State House.
Mirundi recounted that he will never forget the day he accepted President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s offer of appointing him as his Senior Presidential Press Secretary. Mirundi first explained how he first turned down an offer which was presented to him by Amelia Kyambadde the then Principal Private Secretary to President Museveni before being convinced to accept the job.
Initially hesitant, he was convinced by Amelia Kyambadde, then Principal Private Secretary to the President. Little did he know, this choice would lead him down a treacherous path.Mirundi’s tenure in State House was a dichotomy of learning and turmoil.
He praised President Museveni, acknowledging the valuable insights gained while serving. However, his dreams were soon shattered, and he began to realize the true nature of his position.In his book, “Inside the Palace,” Mirundi exposed shocking secrets, including multiple attempts on his life through poisoning and fabricated rape allegations.
He attributed his survival to his belief in witchcraft and the timely intervention of his brother, Dr. Ssali, who advised him to consume charcoal powder mixed with water.Mirundi revealed that the poison he ingested was derived from a venomous snake native to the Democratic Republic of Congo, the same poison allegedly used against Asuman Lukwago, former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, when his detractors sought to oust him from his position.
In a separate incident, Mirundi shared that he narrowly escaped imprisonment and public humiliation on trumped-up charges of rape and sexual harassment. He recounted that a woman entered his office at Okello House, claiming to have a private matter to discuss, which required his assistance in reaching the President.
When he refused to dismiss his bodyguard, the woman became agitated, unbuttoned her clothes, and feigned a rape accusation.Mirundi asserted that this was a deliberate ploy by his adversaries to discredit him and jeopardize his State House position. He expressed relief at having foiled the plot, which he believed was orchestrated by those seeking to tarnish his reputation and remove him from his role.
FAKE AUDIO RECORDING THAT SEALED HIS STATE HOUSE EXIT
Mirundi narrated a chilling tale of how his enemies orchestrated a fake audio recording, purporting to show him abusing the First Lady. This cunning ploy led to his downfall, as President Museveni, convinced by the recording, dismissed him from his position.
Mirundi further explained that in early 2015, he realized his days in State House were numbered and began packing his essential belongings, taking them to his home. He disclosed that President Museveni faced pressure to fire him after his accusers reported him for abusing prominent figures, including Ronald Muwenda Mutebi, the Kabaka of Buganda.
He revealed that one day, while at his Zana home, he received a phone call from a junior at State House, informing him that Museveni had directed Maj. Gen. Stephen Sabiiti Muzeeyi to bring him to the President’s presence urgently. A few minutes later, Sabiiti arrived at his home and escorted him to State House, where he met with Museveni, Andrew Mwenda, Col. Edith Nakalema, and Lt. Gen. Proscovia Nalweyiso.
Mirundi explained that Museveni asked if he was sober and in his right mental state, then inquired about his health, noting his weight loss. When Mirundi denied being sick, Museveni asked why he was abusing his wife, Janet Museveni. Mirundi denied the allegations, prompting Museveni to play an audio recording allegedly featuring Mirundi’s voice.
Mirundi claimed the recording was doctored, comprising clips from various talk shows.He recalled the tense meeting with President Museveni, Andrew Mwenda, Col. Edith Nakalema, and Lt. Gen. Proscovia Nalweyiso. The fake audio recording, Mwenda’s accusations, and Mirundi’s vehement denials created an electric atmosphere.
Mirundi recounted that before completing his statement, Mwenda jumped in, telling Museveni how Mirundi embarrassed him by abusing powerful people, yet many thought he spoke on Museveni’s behalf. Mirundi disclosed that he jumped from his seat to confront Mwenda, who ran behind Museveni’s chair, shouting, “The man is mad!”
Mirundi explained that Mwenda and his elite journalist friends resented his influence and lack of journalism background, leading them to orchestrate his removal from State House and Ugandan journalism, citing his lack of a degree.Mirundi’s explanation caught Museveni’s attention, and he questioned Mwenda about the audio recording’s lack of a moderator’s voice.
Museveni noted that he usually listens to Mirundi’s talk shows, which always feature a moderator. He then told Mirundi that despite being strong like a cobra, he had been defeated by squirrels, and dismissed them.Mirundi revealed that Museveni embarrassed him by asking if he knew how to write. Mirundi responded affirmatively, citing his role as Museveni’s spokesperson.
As Mwenda and his team exited State House in jubilation, Museveni requested a one-on-one meeting with Mirundi, instructing him to write an apology letter to the First Lady, which he did under Museveni’s supervision.Mirundi explained that after writing the letter, Museveni personally delivered it to the First Lady in Mirundi’s handwriting.
He later returned with a smile, informing Mirundi that the First Lady had accepted his apology. Museveni then asked Mirundi to recommend a replacement as his Senior Presidential Press Secretary, and Mirundi suggested his deputy, Lindah Nabusaayi. Mirundi was subsequently appointed Senior Presidential Adviser in charge of media, which he considered a demotion.
Mirundi maintained that if not for the fake audio recording from Mwenda and friends, he had plans to pursue international diplomacy or politics and retire with honor. He always thanked Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba and had forgiven Mwenda. Mirundi’s brother, John Ssali, and friend, Frank Gashumba, agreed that depression might have contributed to his death.
Ssali noted that Mirundi’s life changed drastically after leaving State House, and Mirundi recently disclosed that he relied on friends’ goodwill due to his small monthly salary from State House.Mirundi’s post-State House life was marked by financial struggles, relying on friends’ goodwill to sustain himself. His monthly salary, he revealed, was insufficient to maintain his three homes.
Despite the turmoil, Mirundi chose to forgive his adversaries, including Andrew Mwenda. He expressed gratitude toward Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Chief of Defense Forces, for his support.
