The nation is yet to come to terms of the passing of deputy government spokesperson Col (rtd) Shaban Bantariza after he slipped into coma on Friday at Nakasero Hospital before he was transferred to Mulago where he breathed his last.
Bantariza, 65, died at around 2am on Tuesday. He was diagnosed with COVID-19.
Government further confirmed that indeed its high-ranking official succumbed to Coronavirus having tested positive on Friday.
Ofwono Opondo told the media on Tuesday at Mulago that government would communicate burial details of the gallant soldier who also served as the army spokesperson at a critical time when UPDF was battling LRA rebels commanded by Joseph Kony.
Bantariza has been described as a prolific debater, a performer and probably the best publicist the army will ever have.
Many influential Ugandans extended emotional messages to his family and his place of work- Uganda Media Center through social media platforms.
Health
For long, Mr Bantariza has been grappling with diabetes, hypertension, ulcers and other curable diseases.
“He has been in and out of hospital and would conduct monthly routine checkups to ascertain his sugar and pressure levels,” said an official at Media Center.
Two weeks ago, Bantariza was scheduled to attend to an assignment extended to him by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to visit and reconcile NRM members who developed squabbles after losing primary elections, as a means of generating internal party cohesion.
But as he prepared to kick off his tour in Eastern Uganda, the outspoken retired NRA fighter developed uneasiness and communicated to the party headquarters that he was unable to execute the assignment.
“He stayed at his home in Bweyogerere as he monitored himself as he previously did,” added the official who wished to remain unnamed.
Bantariza invited his doctor last week to review him. “The doctor said this wasn’t normal and therefore recommended that he should be admitted to Mbuya military facility.”
While at Mbuya his condition became critical and was transferred to Victoria Hospital in Bukoto shortly before he was taken to Nakasero Hospital.
This website understands that medics at Nakasero recommended for a COVID-19 test since he had all symptoms including cough, heavy chest and fever.
Before his results returned on Friday, Bantariza slipped into coma.
Nakasero later established that he had contracted COVID, doctors told his caretakers that it would be better he is transferred to Mulago Hospital where he will be able to receive COVID treatment.
Ray of Hope
He spent three days in coma while in Intensive Care Unit at Mulago but on Monday, October 26 at 4pm, Bantariza regained life.
“He even asked for his phone and made a few calls and also held a chat with medics and some of his close family members who were allowed inside the facility,” said an official.
While on his phone, he responded to a few whatsapp messages and also posted on his status the following words; “There is power in the blood of Jesus. Am for Jesus now.”
This message instilled hope in his family members, relatives and friends who thought it was a sign of recovery.
Shortly, he slipped back into coma until around 2am on Tuesday morning when doctors pronounced him dead.
Profile
Service Number: RO/06361
Col. Shaban Bantariza was born on 17 December 1955 to Mr and Mrs Atanazio Rwebakura of Kagorogoro village, Nyakasiru parish, Bitereko sub-county, Ruhinda county, Mitooma district.
Formal Education
- Muhangye Primary School
- St Leo’s College Kyegobe – Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE)
- Caltec Academy Makerere – Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE)
- National Teachers College – Kyambogo (1978 – 1980)
- Makerere University – Bachelor of Arts in Arts
- Uganda Management Institute – Post-Graduate Diploma in Management
Military Training
He enlisted into the National Resistance Army (NRA) on 10th July 1985. Since then, he underwent several military trainings that include:
– Officer Cadet course intake 01/88 long conducted in Jinja, Uganda in 1988
– Senior Command and Staff Course conducted at Senior Command and Staff College, Kimaka, Jinja Uganda in 2005
Military Command and Staff Appointments
Over the years, Col Shaban Bantariza held several command and staff appointments. By the time of passing on, he was the Deputy Executive Director of Uganda Media Centre.
Previous command and staff appointments held include the following:
- Director/Commandant, National Leadership Institute (NALI) – Kyankwanzi (2009 – 2012)
- Commandant, Oliver Tambo Leadership School (OTLS) – Kaweweta (2008 – 2009)
- Chairman, Division Court Martial, 1 Infantry Division – Kakiri from January 2007
- Deputy Chief Political Commissariat at UPDF GHQs, Mbuya
- Defence Spokesperson, Ministry of Defence, Bombo/Mbuya (February 2002 – November 2005)
- Director of Information at UPDF GHQs, Bombo (January 1995 – January 2002)
- Administrative Officer, Anti-smuggling Unit, Uganda Revenue Authority (January 1993 – August 1994)
- Political Commissariat Instructor at Bombo Military Academy (June 1989 – December 1992)
Promotion History
Col. Shaban Bantariza held several ranks as listed below:
- Promoted to the rank of Col (February 2010)
- Promoted to the rank of Lt Col (21st June 2005)
- Promoted to the rank of Maj (12th March 2001)
- Promoted to the rank of Lt (29th December 1992)
- Commissioned to the rank of 2 Lt (6th February 1989)