Shaban Bantariza

Shaban Bantariza (1963–2020), was a retired Colonel in the Uganda People's Defense Force (UPDF).[1] He served as the deputy director of the Uganda Media Centre and deputy government spokesperson, from June 2015.[2][3][4] He died on 27 October 2020 at Mulago National Referral Hospital, where he had been admitted two days before, complaining of chest discomfort, fatigue and cough. Before his death, his samples had tested positive for COVID-19. He also suffered from diabetes mellitus and systemic hypertension.[5]

Colonel (Retired)

Shaban Bantariza
Born1963 (1963)
Mitooma District
DiedOctober 27, 2020(2020-10-27) (aged 57)
Mulago National Referral Hospital
NationalityUgandan
CitizenshipUganda
Alma materMakerere University
Uganda Senior Command and Staff College
OccupationRetired Military Officer, Teacher
Years active1985 to 2020
Known forMilitary

Background and education

Bantariza was born in Mitooma District in Uganda's Western Region, circa 1963. He attended St. Leo's College, Kyegobe, in Fort Portal, Kabarole District for his O-Level studies. He then joined the Catholic brotherhood, where he trained as an elementary school teacher.[6]

While pursuing a course at Makerere University in 1985, he abandoned his studies and joined the National Resistance Army, led by Yoweri Museveni. He attended guerrilla bootcamp in the Kabarore area, in foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains.[6] He also attended and graduated from the Uganda Senior Command and Staff College, having studied the senior command course offered annually at the college.[6]

Career

Bantariza served as the UPDF spokesperson from 2000 to 2002 and from 2003 to 2006.[7] For a period of time, prior to February 2009, Bantariza, at the rank of lieutenant colonel, served as the commander of the Oliver Tambo Leadership School,[8] in Kaweweta, Nakaseke District, in Uganda's Central Region.[9] On 26 February 2009, he was appointed commandant of the National Leadership Institute (NALI), in Kyankwanzi, Kyankwanzi District.[8] He served in that capacity until he was relieved of his duties on 7 October 2011.[10]

In June 2013, he was appointed Deputy Executive Director of the National Media Centre. On 2 July 2013, at the rank of colonel, he was arrested, charged with embezzlement and remanded to Makindye Military prison by the General Court Martial on charges of alleged fraud.[7] After proceedings that lasted nearly three years,[11] the Court Martial, chaired by Major General Levi Karuhanga, acquitted Colonel Bantariza due to lack of evidence against him, on 14 April 2015.[7] On 24 June 2015, following his acquittal by the general court martial, he resumed work at the Uganda Media Centre, the president of Uganda having directed in writing that Bantariza resumes work.[12]

Retirement from the UPDF

On 28 September 2015, Bantariza retired from the UPDF.[3] He continued to serve as the deputy government spokesperson until his death on the 27 October 2020.[5]

See also

References
  1. Associated Press (27 November 2016). "Ugandan Troops Move Against Tribal King in Rebel Region". The New York Times Quoting the Associated Press. New York City. Retrieved 17 July 2017.
  2. Raymond Lukwago (5 June 2015). "President Museveni re-appoints Col Bantariza". Daily Monitor. Kampala. Retrieved 17 July 2017.
  3. Monitor Reporter (28 September 2015). "Gen Tumukunde, Gen Okecho, Col Bantariza finally retire from the army". Daily Monitor. Kampala. Retrieved 17 July 2017.
  4. Musisi, Frederic (23 March 2016). "Museveni a threat to Uganda future - US". Daily Monitor. Kampala. Retrieved 17 July 2017.
  5. Daily Monitor (27 October 2020). "Government says Col Bantariza died of Covid-19". Daily Monitor. Kampala. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  6. Mable Twegumye Zake (16 July 2017). "Col. Shaban Bantariza Shares His Life Story" (Video). Kampala: NBS TV Uganda. Retrieved 17 July 2017.
  7. Risdel Kasasira, and Richard Wanambwa (3 July 2013). "Col Bantariza charged with fraud, remanded". Daily Monitor. Kampala. Retrieved 3 July 2017.
  8. Kasasira, Risdel (23 February 2009). "Bantariza moved in new UPDF reshuffle". Daily Monitor. Kampala. Archived from the original (Archived from original) on 26 February 2009. Retrieved 17 July 2017.
  9. Mugisa, Anne (27 March 2010). "Zuma opens Tambo leadership school". New Vision. Kampala. Retrieved 17 July 2017.
  10. Kwesiga, Pascal (20 February 2015). "Aronda is fighting me over Museveni - Bantariza". New Vision. Kampala. Retrieved 17 July 2017.
  11. Kwesiga, Pascal (26 January 2015). "I'm being witch-hunted - Bantariza". New Vision. Kampala. Retrieved 17 July 2017.
  12. Emorut, Francis (16 June 2015). "Col. Bantariza resumes work at Media Centre". New Vision. Kampala. Retrieved 17 July 2017.
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