The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) yesterday(27th.October.2020) said the death of Col. Shaban Bantariza is a big blow to the party, given his loyalty and the fact that he had been appointed by President Museveni to help reconcile party members ahead of 2021 general elections.
The deputy executive director of Uganda Media Centre died this morning at Mulago National Referral Hospital where he had been admitted since Sunday.
Government spokesperson, Mr. Ofwono Opondo, who doubles as the Uganda Media Center executive director told journalists that the former army spokesperson had died of Covid-19.
Col.Bantariza had been complaining of chest pain, low blood pressure, diabetes and cough before he was admitted to hospital.
“He was first admitted in Mbuya Military Hospital on Friday from where he was taken to Victoria and then eventually transferred to Mulago after they had suspected he could have contracted Covid-19, Mr. Opondo added.
The NRM Secretary General, Justine Kasule Lumumba, in a statement issued by the party senior communications manager, Mr. Roger Mulindwa said Col. Bantariza has been a loyal member of the NRM government and the party which he has served till his death.
Col.Bantariza’s death occurred just hours after the Ministry of Health on Monday said they had registered 114 new virus infections as the confirmed cases rose to 11,557. Ends.