UPDF Mourns Second Senior Officer in Days as Major General Deus Sande Dies En Route to Colleague’s Funeral

By Uganda Today Reporter

The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) is in mourning following the sudden death of Major General Deus Sande, Commander of the Armoured Division in Masaka, who was pronounced dead on arrival at Nakasero Hospital on Monday.

According to a statement issued by the Acting UPDF Spokesperson, Colonel Chris Magezi, Maj Gen Sande collapsed in Mpigi District while travelling to Kampala to attend a funeral service at All Saints Cathedral, Nakasero, for his fallen colleague, Major General Francis Takirwa.

“Maj Gen Deus Sande developed breathing complications while on the way. He was rushed to a nearby health facility in Mpigi and later referred to Nakasero Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival,” Magezi said.

The tragic incident marks the second major loss within the UPDF in a short period, following the recent death of Maj Gen Francis Takirwa, a former Deputy Commander of the Land Forces, who succumbed to illness earlier this month.

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A Career Marked by Service

Maj Gen Sande was a seasoned military officer who served the UPDF in various command positions, most recently as head of the Masaka Mechanised Armoured Unit. He was widely regarded as a disciplined and outspoken commander who played a key role in strengthening the army’s operational readiness.

During the 2021 General Elections, Maj Gen Sande drew national attention after making a controversial public statement in which he asserted that the UPDF would not allow a transfer of power to opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine). He stated that the army “could not hand over power to Kyagulanyi and neither could they salute him as their Commander-in-Chief.”

The remarks sparked debate about the role of the military in Uganda’s political process and generated wide public discussion on civil-military relations at the time.

Double Blow to the Military Fraternity

Maj Gen Sande’s death while on his way to mourn a fellow officer has deepened the sense of grief within the UPDF ranks.

His colleague, Maj Gen Takirwa, was remembered as a dedicated and professional officer who served the country for decades before his passing after prolonged illness.

Military leaders, government officials, and members of the public have since expressed condolences to the families of the deceased officers and the wider UPDF fraternity.

Nation Pays Tribute

The back-to-back loss of two senior commanders has been described as a heavy blow to the armed forces and the nation at large. Tributes have continued to pour in, praising both officers for their commitment, discipline, and service to Uganda.

The UPDF is expected to announce detailed burial and funeral arrangements for Maj Gen Sande in due course.

As the country mourns, the deaths of Maj Gen Deus Sande and Maj Gen Francis Takirwa serve as a painful reminder of the sacrifices and vulnerabilities faced even by those entrusted with defending the nation.