Col Shaban Bantariza is dead

The deputy executive director of Uganda Media Centre, Col Shaban Bantariza, is dead.

Col Bantariza died this morning at Mulago National Referral Hospital where he had been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit.

“I hereby with deep sorrow regret to announce the death of my Deputy Shaban Bantariza that occurred early this morning at Mulago Hospital where he had been in admission since Sunday with hypertension,” Mr Ofwono Opondo, the executive director of Uganda Media Centre tweeted Tuesday morning.

Bantariza served as the UPDF spokesperson from 2000 to 2002 and from 2003 to 2006. 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. On February 26, 2009, he was appointed commandant of the National Leadership Institute (NALI), in Kyankwanzi, Kyankwanzi District which he served in that capacity until he was relieved of his duties on October 7, 2011.

What coursed the bush war heroes’ death is speculated to COVID-19 pending gov’t confirmation.

Col. Bantareza will be remembered for the remark made recently during NRM leaders’ retreat has drawn criticism from a section of Ugandans, accusing him of inciting violence and threatening Ugandans with use of force to cling to power.

Col Bantariza in his comment said NRM government will not hand over power, adding that those who think they can take power away from the current regime are dreamers.