The National Unity Platform (NUP) a few months ago revealed that former Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Mathias Mpuuga admitted to engaging in corruption and abuse of office during his tenure. Mpuuga, who was succeeded by Joel Ssenyonyi last year amid internal discord within the largest opposition party in Parliament, acknowledged his wrongdoing in light of recent allegations.
The party then asked Mpuuga to step down from his position as a Backbench Commissioner with immediate effect. This has met with defiance from Mpuuga and of late court ruled against the censure.Whereas Mpuuga claimed that he was innocent and not corrupted, it has now been revealed how he tried bribing the late Tamale Mirundi with Shs 1Million to defend him during his talk show programs and interviews.
This was revealed by Famous YouTuber Isaac Katende alias Kasuku who was among those very close to the deceased Veteran Political Analyst and former Presidential Press Secretary Joseph Tamale Mirundi and said that Mirundi died a pauper.
In a recent, in-depth interview with fellow YouTuber Kwezi Robinson, following the burial of the late Mirundi, Kasuku shared a poignant and revealing anecdote that showcased Mirundi’s unwavering principles, unshakeable dignity, and unrelenting commitment to his values, even in the face of extreme adversity and dire financial circumstances.
According to Kasuku, Mirundi remained a man of unyielding conviction and integrity, refusing to compromise his deeply held beliefs and values, even when faced with the harsh realities of poverty, desperation, and financial ruin. This, Kasuku argued, was a testament to Mirundi’s exceptional character and his ability to maintain his dignity, even in the most challenging of times.
Kasuku recounted a specific, telling incident where an emissary approached Mirundi with a substantial Shs1m offer, conditional on his defense of Nyendo-Mukungwe MP Mathias Mpuuga, who was embroiled in a contentious controversy surrounding a Shs1.7bn service award.
Despite his dire financial situation, Mirundi initially accepted the money, but later struggled with his conscience, ultimately deciding he couldn’t defend Mpuuga due to his perceived wrongdoing.Kasuku emphasized that Mirundi’s actions demonstrated a remarkable level of moral fiber, driven by his conscience rather than mere financial gain.
This, Kasuku argued, sets Mirundi apart from many of the self-proclaimed outspoken individuals vying to fill the void left by his passing. These opportunists, Kasuku claimed, are primarily motivated by a desire for social media fame, fortune, and self-aggrandizement, rather than genuine conviction, principle, or a commitment to truth and justice.
The incident at Joy Star Guest House in Wakaliga, a favorite haunt of Mirundi’s, served as a testament to his complexity, nuance, and multifaceted nature. Despite accepting the Shs1m, Mirundi eventually returned to criticizing Mpuuga, illustrating his inability to compromise his values for financial benefit.
“He defended him for about one week and eventually said Kasuku I’m not comfortable doing this and resumed bashing Mathias Mpuuga.” Kasuku Recounted.
Kasuku shared this anecdote to highlight the significant extent to which Mirundi’s actions were guided by his conscience, rather than solely by a desire for financial gain. He emphasized to Kwezi Robinson that, in contrast to Mirundi, many individuals seeking to establish themselves as outspoken figures in the wake of his passing are merely self-serving opportunists.
These individuals, Kasuku argued, are motivated by a desire for social media fame and fortune, seeking to capitalize on the current situation to garner cheap popularity and inflate their online presence.Kasuku clarified that the Mirundi he knew was a complex and multifaceted individual, driven by both financial necessity and a strong moral compass.
Despite accepting the Shs1m offer, Mirundi ultimately refused to act in accordance with the desires of those who provided the funding, demonstrating his commitment to his principles and values. This, Kasuku noted, sets Mirundi apart from those who would seek to fill his void, but lack the depth, conviction, and integrity that defined him.
