Bantariza succumbed to COVID-19 - Government Spokesperson
Col Shaban Bantariza succumbed to COVID-19, government spokesperson Ofwono Opondo has announced.
Opondo, also the Executive Director of Uganda Media Centre is Bantariza’s boss and colleague.
Keep Reading
Speaking to journalists at Mulago hospital where Bantariza died, Opondo said that his colleague had been complaining of chest pain, low blood pressure, and cough.
He said Bantariza had been admitted at Mulago hospital under Intensive Care since Sunday.
“He was admitted on Friday at Mbuya military hospital, from where he was taken to Victoria clinic before being transferred to Mulago after they had suspected he could have contracted COVID 19,” Opondo said.
“Upon testing in Mulago and medical verification, it was confirmed that indeed he had contracted COVID-19, it is indeed sad news that Shaban (Bantariza has died of COVID-19,” Opondo added.
National Resistance Movement (NRM) Secretary General Justine Kasule Lumumba noted the abrupt demise of Bantariza, a longtime member of the party.
She said, "I was saddened by the passing of Col (Rtd) Shaban Bantariza that happened earlier today. My hearty condolences and prayers go out to his family, friends and colleagues as we accept his untimely death."
"Uganda has lost a gallant son at a time we needed him most. He will always be remembered as a public relations guru and a law abiding citizen. A soldier who transformed and mentored very many young people through the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi and above all an ardent supporter and member of the National Resistance Movement," Lumumba eulogised Bantariza.
https://nilepost.co.ug/2020/10/27/the-life-and-times-of-col-shaban-bantariza-1963-2020/
Bantariza was born in Mitooma district, in 1963. He attended St. Leo’s College, Kyegobe, in Fort Portal, Kabarole District for his O-Level studies before later joining the Catholic brotherhood where he trained as an elementary school teacher.
He joined Makerere University in 1985 but later abandoned his studies and joined the National Resistance Army, led by President Yoweri Museveni. Bantariza attended guerrilla Bootcamp in the Kabarore area, in the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains. He also attended and graduated from the Uganda Senior Command and Staff College, having studied the senior command course offered annually at the college
Bantariza served as the UPDF spokesperson from 2000 to 2002 and from 2003 to 2006. For a period of time, prior to February 2009, Batanzira, at the rank of lieutenant colonel, served as the commander of the Oliver Tambo Leadership School, in Kaweweta, Nakaseke District, in Uganda’s Central Region.
On 26 February 2009, he was appointed commandant of the National Leadership Institute (NALI), in Kyankwanzi, Kyankwanzi District serving in that capacity until he was relieved of his duties on 7 October 2011.
