UPDF Reserve Force Deputy Commander, Maj Gen Stephen Rwabantu is Dead

Maj Gen Stephen Tumusiime Rwabantu has died. He passed on Saturday night after a short illness at Kampala hospital.

The UPDF Reserve Force Deputy Commander, RO/081, joined the liberation struggle in 1981. He is lauded for heroic battles during the struggle of the National Resistance Army (NRA) against the regimes of old that was led by President Yoweri Museveni. For this, Maj Gen Rwabantu earned himself the nickname ‘Rwagonya’ translated as ‘of the crocodile.’ Had he swam the lakes and swamps in Luweero like a crocodile?

He is remembered by his neighbours in Ruharo, Mbarara as a sociable senior officer who enjoyed storytelling.

“If anybody is trying to destabilize this country and the President calls upon people to stabilise the country, I will be among the first ones again,” the General Stephen once said.

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“The Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs and the UPDF fraternity condolences with the family and relatives of the deceased during this difficult time,” Defence Spokesperson Brig Gen Flavia Byekwaso said upon learning of the General’s death.

Details of his burial will be communicated later.