Tamale Mirundi Jnr
Controversial Tamale Mirundi Junior, son of the deceased outspoken political commentator Tamale Mirundi, has found himself at odds with his own family and clan, following a highly publicized dispute over their decision to reconcile with the Buganda Kingdom.
The rift has now deteriorated into threats of banishment from the clan after Junior reportedly publicly disapproved a family apology to the Kingdom premier Charles Peter Mayiga.
The roots of the conflict are back to Tamale Mirundi Senior’s lnong-lasting and often controversial criticism of the Buganda Kingdom, particularly his unapologetic vile attacks against the Katikkiro (Prime Minister of Buganda). His harsh remarks against the monarchy and its leadership created noticeable tension between the Mirundi family and Buganda loyalists.
Even after his passing, the shadow of his public tirades lingered, further driving a wedge between his family and the Kingdom.
Recently, in an attempt to do damage control, Mirundi family made the decision to apologize. They reached out to the Buganda Kingdom, offering a formal apology and requesting an audience with the Katikkiro. This meeting was arranged on September 25, 2024, at Bulange, Mengo—the administrative seat of the Buganda Kingdom. During the gathering, the family expressed their remorse, hoping to make amends for the past.
The Katikkiro, speaking on behalf of the Kabaka (the King of Buganda), graciously accepted the apology and stressed the importance of unity and harmony within the community. He further urged Ugandans to desist from using social media as a platform for personal attacks, a veiled reference to the kind of incendiary rhetoric Tamale Mirundi Senior had been known for.
Despite the reconciliation gesture, Tamale Mirundi Junior stood firm against his family’s move and castigated them for their actions against his father’s will.
His publically disapproved of his family’s gesture, insisting that his father’s stance had been justified.
In a video statement, Tamale Mirundi Junior declared that he supports his father’s stance, stating, “Whatever my father said or did was true, and I won’t apologize to anyone.” He argued that since he did not speak out against the Kingdom himself, he sees no reason to apologize for his father’s actions. “The person who criticized the king is no longer here, so why should I, the child, apologize for what I didn’t do?” he asserted.
Junior is convinced that apologizing for his father’s words is unnecessary at this point, suggesting that the focus should instead be on expressing gratitude to those who supported his father during his lifetime and illness. He stated, “I didn’t see any need for me to go to Mengo to apologize because I didn’t do anything to him.” Furthermore, he criticized the clan leaders for making the decision to apologize without considering the long-term implications of their actions. He concluded that he would have only considered going to Mengo if his father had asked him to do so while he was still alive.
Tamale Mirundi Junior has been disowned by his clan during a family meeting…
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The internal family conflict reached a boiling point over the weekend when Tamale Junior was summoned to a clan meeting. The elders, hoping to bring him into line with the family decision, tried to counsel him on the importance of the apology and reconciliation. However, a defiant Junior was heard trying to justify his position. He stormed out of the meeting after he was denied chance to defend himself.
His unyielding attitude quickly frustrated the clan elders, who were angered by his refusal to adhere to their advice. Despite attempts to reason with him, they felt he had disrespected the family and the clan by publicly opposing their decision. The elders ultimately decided to sever ties with him, formally threatening to banish him for his alleged insubordination.
The fallout leaves Tamale Mirundi Junior isolated in his defense of his late father’s controversial legacy, as his family seeks to move forward and repair their relationship with the Buganda Kingdom.