What Bantariza wife, children said during burial

Oct 30, 2020

“The death of our dad marked a very dark moment in our lives." 

Margret Bantaliza, the wife of the late Col. Shaban Bantariza, has described her husband as a caring man who took good care of his family and held it united.

A statement from the army said Margret also expressed appreciation to the medical doctors who tried their best to save the life of her husband when he fell sick and was rushed to the hospital.

Col. Bantariza, who has been the deputy executive director of the Uganda Media Centre and deputy government spokesman, died on Tuesday, October 27 at Mulago National Referral Hospital.

He had been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit since Sunday, according to Ofwono Opondo, the government spokesman. Opondo confirmed that Bantariza died of COVID-19 and indeed he was buried scientifically on Thursday as guided by the health ministry.

He was laid to rest at his ancestral home in Kagorogoro village, Bitereko sub-county in Mitooma District at a ceremony where a few people were allowed and most of the local mourners directed to keep a distance. 

Bantariza was buried under strict observance of anti-COVID-19 SOPs. (Photos sourced from Ofwono Opondo Twitter account)

Bantariza was buried scientifically. Photo sourced from Ofwono Opondo Twitter account

 

There was strict observance of the COVID-19 Standard Operating Procedures.

Speaking at the burial attended by governmental officials and officers of the Uganda People's Defense Forces (UPDF), Margret appreciated all support received from State House, the UPDF and the Uganda Media Center towards the burial arrangements.  

Capt. Ajabu Muhebwa, the senior child of the late described his father as a mentor and a teacher who gave them the "best guidance a parent can do".

"The death of our dad marked a very dark moment in our lives. He was a good dad, a mentor and indeed a teacher that always gave us the best guidance a parent can do," Muhebwa said.
 
Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire, the Minister of East African Affairs, conveyed President Museveni's message to the mourners.

The President described Bantariza as "a dependable person who executed his work to the details".  
 
"President Museveni said the death of Col. Bantariza has been a loss of a brother, a son and a trustworthy person who executed his work perfectly in the interest of the people of Uganda," the minister said.

The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Adolf Mwesige, described Bantariza as a true comrade at work.

"The works and deployment of late Col Bantariza gave us the full meaning and character of a professional UPDF officer, which is a testimony that the professionalization effort of the UPDF has been accomplished," read part of the message delivered by the Joint Chief of Staff of the UPDF, Lt. Gen. Joseph Musanyufu.

Musanyufu also delivered a message from the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen David Muhoozi, who said Bantariza had "diligently served in UPDF until his honourable retirement from active service".

"The Late Col Bantariza made selfless contribution to the Defence of his country, Uganda, throughout his service career. The UPDF is saddened by the loss of such a senior gallant officer with a long experience." read part of the message by the CDF.

Security minister Gen Elly Tumwine said in his message that the passing of Col Bantariza was "a painful loss".

"We join the family in praying for fortitude and assure them that we shall continue to be by their side at this trying moment," Tumwine said.

Col. Shaban Bantariza
Col. Shaban Bantariza

 

Musanyufu in his own message said the deceased was a personal friend and more of a brother.

He said that they shared fond memories from secondary school times and attended Cadet Course training together in 1988.

He described him as a bold person at work whom, he said, stood firm to his professional work principles. 
 
Opondo said Bantariza was a National Resistance Movement (NRM) historical who participated in bringing the NRM/NRA to power in 1986.

His patriotism, according to Opondo, was exemplified in the fact that he temporarily set aside his studies to liberate Uganda.

"The late was very resourceful at the Uganda Media Center being multi-talented, a linguist, and with extensive public relations and administration background," he said.  

 

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