By Andrew Irumba
Mulago Hospital, Kampala: Former Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) spokesperson (2000 to 2006) and ex-deputy government Spokesperson at the Media Centre, Colonel Shaban Bantariza has died on 27 October 2020 from Mulago Hospital where he has been admitted for some days on life machine support.
Bantariza succumbed to COVID-19. “Yes, samples were taken from him and postmortem report has confirmed that he died of COVID-19,” Ofwono Opondo Gov’t spokesperson told journalists this morning.
His demise was confirmed by the NRM secretariat and Ministry of ICT via their condolence messages.
NRM’s Message Reads;Â
“The NRM Secretary General Rt. Hon. Justine Kasule Lumumba and the entire Secretariat staff are deeply saddened by the death of the Deputy Government Spokesperson Col. Shabana Bantariza.
May the care and love of those around the family members provide comfort and peace to get you through the days a head.
Col. Bantariza has been a loyal member of the NRM govt and the party which he has served till his death. (Diazepam) On Thursday last week, he was part of the 47 eminent Ugandans appointed by the Party National Chairman to carry out the reconciliation programs among our members. His area of operation was Butaleja, Busia and Kibuku districts. His commitment on duty and the honesty will highly be valued even after his departure.
After picking the necessary facilitation for the exercise, the Colonel later felt unwell to travel and sent back the resources. A few days later, we received the sad news.
To Ndugu Ofwono Opondo the Executive Director at the Media Centre and to all the staff, please accept our condolences for the passing of your colleague and may our prayers ease you through this hard moment.
We feel, Col Bantariza has gone too early and at a time we needed him most. May God give him eternal rest and the family the strength to bear this great pain,”.
Burial arrangements will be communicated later. RIP
Who Is Banta?
Shaban was a retired colonel in the Uganda People’s Defense Force (UPDF). He served as the deputy director of the Uganda Media Centre and deputy government spokesperson, He died on 27 October 2020 from Mulago Hospital.
In June 2013, he was appointed deputy executive director of the National Media Centrer.
On July 2, 2013, at the rank of colonel, he was arrested and remanded to Makindye Military prison by the General Court Martial on charges of alleged fraud.
After proceedings that lasted nearly three years, the Court Martial, then chaired by Major General Levi Karuhanga, on April 14, 2015 acquitted Colonel Bantariza on grounds of lack of evidence against him.
