Vice Chairman of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) for the Central Region, Frank Gashumba has advised the children of the fallen Veteran journalist Tamale Mirundi to proceed with caution now that their father's protection is no longer present.
He directed his message specifically to Tamale Mirundi Junior., who, according to Gashumba, had previously mistreated him but later apologised.
"Your dad is gone now. You have no one to defend you. Tread carefully and take a break," Gashumba said.
In the solemn setting of the burial, Gashumba highlighted the shifting dynamics without paternal protection.
He reflected on past interactions with Tamale Mirundi Junior, noting that his father’s presence had previously shielded him from consequences.
Despite past disagreements, Gashumba expressed a willingness to guide Tamale Mirundi Junior, stressing the need for prudence and respect in challenging situations.
He also commended some of Mirundi's children for their exemplary behavior, encouraging them to maintain their positive conduct.
Gashumba's poignant words at the burial underscored both personal dynamics and the complexities of public relationships.
His message of caution and support resonated with those present, emphasizing the importance of reflection and mindfulness during times of transition and loss.
Mirundi passed away from lung-related complications at Kisubi Hospital around 11:40 PM on Tuesday last week, where he had been receiving treatment for over a month. Despite initial signs of improvement, his condition worsened, leading to his untimely death.
The accumulation of fluid in his lungs, which doctors had been draining, was exacerbated when blood was extracted during a procedure on Tuesday.
During the burial, Mirundi's family revealed that he had vowed to change his life following his illness. John Ssali, Mirundi's elder brother, shared that Mirundi had promised to quit drinking alcohol upon recovery.
"You have been telling me to stop drinking. I have also stopped. I’ve been in school, learned my lessons, and plan to practice what I’ve studied," Ssali recounted.
"I shook his hand and told him that if he had accepted this advice earlier, he wouldn’t have reached this point."
Though Mirundi had requested that no government officials attend his burial, several dignitaries, including Inspector General of Government Beti Kamya and Uganda Communications Commission Executive Director Nyombi Thembo, were present.
Since his dismissal from State House in 2015, Mirundi had publicly criticized State House employees and declared that he would never reconcile with them or return to State House.
However, at the time of his death, Mirundi had agreed to reconsider and accept any position offered by President Museveni.