Bantariza’s death proves that Covid-19 is real, says Museveni

President Museveni has warned Ugandans against their reluctance to follow the Standard Operating Procedures issued by the Ministry of Health to help prevent the spread of Covid-19.

According to the president, deputy government spokesperson, Col Shaban Bantariza, like any other Ugandan never wanted to die of Coronavirus.

Describing the former UPDF spokesperson’s death as accident, Mr Museveni Thursday implored Ugandans to follow all the preventive measures so as to stay safe.

“Shaban has gone but I’m requesting you not to follow him. The president asked me to tell you that you follow the guidelines to avoid such scenarios,’’ the East African affairs minister, Maj Gen Kahinda Otafiire who represented Presidented Museveni told mourners at Bantariza’s burial ceremony in Kagorogoro village, Mitooma District.

Mr Museveni said some Ugandans have been taking Covid-19 guidelines and preventive measures for granted but Bantariza’s death if proof that the virus is real.

‘’When we tell you about wearing facemasks, washing your hands regularly, to stop congregating, you take it for a joke and this is the outcome. Covid-19 is real and it kills. Now that Shaban has gone, let us protect ourselves to keep alive ‘’

Mr Museveni described Bantariza as a trustworthy person who worked diligently without betraying his friends and country.

“Col Shaban Bantariza has been a trustworthy person, confident and courageous. In all what he has gone through his life, he has been going through patiently without fear and could not betray his people,’’ Mr Museveni is quoted as saying.

The Chief of Defense Forces, Gen David Muhoozi who was represented by Joint Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen Joseph Musanyufu described Bantariza as a selfless person who helped secure the country before retiring from the army in 2010.

“Col Bantariza joined the National Resistance army in 1985. He made a selfless contribution to the defense of this country throughout his career. The UPDF is saddened by the loss of such a senior gallant officer with a long experience,’’ said Gen Muhoozi.

Government spokesperson who doubles as the executive director, Uganda Media Center, Mr Ofwono Opondo said Col Bantariza was media friendly and will be missed dearly.

“He was approachable, never media shy and had friends in the media fraternity. He was very passionate about defending and serving the government whenever the opportunity arose. He will be missed by his former colleagues at Uganda Media Center where he was a strong personality,’’ said Mr Opondo.

He added ‘‘being multi- talented, linguist and his expensive back ground in public relations and administration, he was always available at short notice for duty and never hesitated sharing information with colleagues and the country.’’

Head of family Posiano Basinyora described Bantariza as a jovial man.

“Col Bantariza loved happiness and as a family we have lost an influential figure who was important to us and Ruhinda North,’’ he said.

Col Bantariza was laid to rest at his ancestral home in Kagorogoro cell, Nyakasura Parish Rutookye town council, Ruhinda North county Mitooma District.

Col Bantariza, 65, was given a-24 gun salute.

Bantariza was buried a few hours before the Ministry of Health on Thursday confirmed two more virus deaths and 434 new cases

The cumulative confirmed cases are now 12,201 while cumulative virus deaths are 108.

The ministry said 7,461 people who previously tested positive for the virus have recovered and have been discharged from hospitals across the country.

A total of 544, 657 samples have been tested since March this year when the virus outbreak was confirmed in the country.