The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) is in mourning following the sudden passing of Major General Deus Sande, the Commander of the Armoured Division based in Masaka. The military confirmed the tragic news this morning, revealing that Major General Sande passed away in the early hours of the day while en route to Kampala to attend the funeral service of his comrade, Major General Francis Takirwa.
While traveling, Major General Sande developed serious breathing complications, and despite immediate medical intervention at a hospital in Mpigi, he sadly passed away. The medical team’s efforts to resuscitate him were unfortunately unsuccessful. Col Chris Magezi, the acting UPDF spokesperson, shared that further details about the cause of his death would be communicated later, but the nation and UPDF family have already been deeply affected by this loss.
This tragic event comes at a time when the UPDF is still mourning the loss of another senior officer, Major General Takirwa, who passed away just a week earlier after battling a long illness. The untimely death of Major General Sande compounds the grief within the UPDF family and the entire nation, as these two high-ranking officers were deeply respected for their service and dedication.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Major General Sande’s family, friends, colleagues, and the men and women of the UPDF who served alongside him. This is a significant loss not only to the UPDF but to Uganda, as both generals were instrumental in the National Resistance Army bush war and in shaping the country’s defense forces.
Major General Deus Sande’s Legacy
Major General Sande was a seasoned officer and a veteran of the National Resistance Army bush war. His military career spanned decades, and he dedicated much of his life to the UPDF and the defense of Uganda. As the Commander of the Armoured Division, he played a pivotal role in strengthening the military’s operational capabilities and was a respected leader within the force.
His commitment to national service was unwavering, and he was admired for his leadership, discipline, and strategic mind. Major General Sande’s passing comes as a painful blow to the UPDF fraternity, which has lost a vital member of its leadership.
Circumstances of His Death
Major General Sande was en route to Kampala to attend the funeral of his comrade, Major General Francis Takirwa, when he developed breathing complications. Despite being rushed to a medical facility in Mpigi, efforts to save him were unsuccessful, and he passed away.
The exact cause of his death will be determined through further medical examination. It comes just days after the passing of Major General Takirwa, the UPDF Land Forces Deputy Commander, who died following a long illness related to a stroke.
The UPDF’s Condolences and Mourning
In a statement, the UPDF expressed deep condolences to the families of both Major Generals. They acknowledged their service and dedication to the UPDF and Uganda, remembering them for their leadership and contribution to the country’s defense.
The loss of these two officers is a profound moment for the UPDF, which is already undergoing a period of grief. The military force, which is often seen as the backbone of national security, has faced the painful loss of two of its most respected figures in a short span.
Conclusion: A National Loss
The untimely deaths of Major General Deus Sande and Major General Francis Takirwa mark a dark chapter in Uganda’s military history. The UPDF and the country as a whole have lost two leaders who played pivotal roles in the country’s defense and security.
As the UPDF mourns the loss of these brave men, we extend our deepest condolences to their families, colleagues, and the entire Uganda People’s Defence Forces community. Major General Sande’s legacy of dedication to duty and his service to Uganda will not be forgotten.
