KAMPALA — The Deputy Government Media Council Director and former army Spokesperson Col Shaban Bantariza has announced he will run for the position of NRM Vice Chairman, Western.
The position allows the bearer to be a member of the ruling party’s Central Executive Committee, it’s highest policy making organ.
According to a statement issued by Col. Bantariza on Monday, July 20, he made the decision after making consultations.
“Comrades, allies and friends in the common struggle, to continually make Uganda qualitatively better, after some useful consultations, high and low, above and below I have made a decision to offer myself for leadership as vice chairperson NRM, representing western region!”.
“Your Usual unwavering support, in all forms and ways will make my aspiration a resounding and victorious reality, for the greater glory of our nass and mighty NRM, and the great future of our notherland Uganda! Allutta continua!”
Col. Bantatiza will run against current office holder Gen. Matayo Kyaligonza and Minister Chris Baryomunsi who has too expressed interest in the position.
Col. Bantariza served as the UPDF spokesperson from 1995 to 1997 and from 2001 to 2006.
For a period of time, prior to February 2009, Batanzira, at the rank of lieutenant colonel, served as the commander of the Oliver Tambo Leadership School, in Kaweweta, Nakaseke District, in Uganda’s Central Region.
On February 26, 2009, he was appointed commandant of the National Leadership Institute (NALI), in Kyankwanzi, Kyankwanzi District.
He served in that capacity until he was relieved of his duties on October 7, 2011.
In June 2013, he was appointed as Deputy Executive Director of the National Media Centre.
On July 2,2013, 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.
After proceedings that lasted nearly three years,the Court Martial, chaired by Major Gen. Levi Karuhanga, acquitted Colonel Bantariza due to lack of evidence against him, on 14 April 2015.
On June 24, 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 Col. Bantariza resumes work.
