- October 27, 2020
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- 3 minutes read
Former UPDF Spokesperson Col.Shaban Bantariza Died Of Covid-19- Ofono Opondo Comfirms

Former Uganda People’s Defense Force (UPDF) spokesperson (2000 to 2006) and ex-deputy government Spokesperson Colonel Shaban Bantariza has died on 27 October 2020 from Mulago Hospital reportedly over COVID-19.
This has been confirmed by the NRM secretariat via a condolence message that reads as below.
“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.

Ofono Opondo, Executive Director at Media Center has confirmed that former Army Spokespersn Col Shaban Bantariza died of Coronavirus.
The deputy ED Media Center had been sickly for weeks and was rushed to Mulago in a very critical condition last week and admitted at Mulago’s Intensive Care Unit(ICU).
While addresing journalists Tuesday morning at Media Center, Ofono confirmed that Bantariza indeed died of COVID19.
“This is to inform you that my Deputy Shaban Bantariza died of Coronavirus.
His samples were taken and it’s indeed true that it was Covid-19 that took away his life,” Ofono said.
Ofono also added that the body has been taken for postmortem for further investigations.
Bantariza passed on Tuesday morning at Mulago hospital where he had been admitted since Sunday.
Col. Bantariza has been a loyal member of the NRM govt and the party which he has served till his death. 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.
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