Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has expressed deep sorrow following the deaths of two senior military generals of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), Deus Sande and Francis Takirwa, in quick succession.
In a statement on February 12, 2026, Muhoozi described the passing of Major General Deus Sande and Commander Armoured Division Sande as a devastating blow to the Ugandan armed forces.
“We are very saddened by the unexpected passing of our long-time comrade, Maj. General Deus Sande, Commander of the Armoured Division. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” read part of the statement.
According to the acting director of defence public information, Col Chris Magezi, passed away in Mpigi on his way to Kampala to attend the funeral service of comrade Major General Francis Takirwa at All Saints Cathedral in Nakasero.
“Maj. Gen. Sande was on his way to Kampala to attend the funeral service of comrade Major General Francis Takirwa at All Saints Cathedral in Nakasero,”
Chris explained that Sande developed breathing complications and, despite efforts to resuscitate him at a hospital in Mpigi, he died.
Major General Francis Takirwa, who died on February 7, 2026, succumbed to stroke-related complications. He had initially been admitted to Nakasero Hospital on December 9, 2025, and was referred on Friday, February 6, to a Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) medical facility for long-term care and management, where he died.
The burial date for General Deus Sande is yet to be confirmed.
Muhoozi Honors UPDF’s Major General Deus Sande
Maj. Gen. Sande was among the senior UPDF officers who were recently promoted by President Yoweri Museveni.
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Deus drew public attention in 2020 when he stated that the army would not hand over power to ideologicallybankrupt politicians. Although the UPDF distanced itself from his statements.
A year later, he was reportedly involved in security operations against opposition supporters during the 2021 election cycle in his capacity as a regional military chief.
Prior to his final role in Masaka, he held various critical positions, including a brief stint as the commander of the Ugandan African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) Contingent in Mogadishu, Somalia.
Takirwa’s Military Service
In 2022, he was appointed acting Deputy Commander, Land Forces, and in December 2022, he was confirmed in the same position by President Yoweri Museveni, who is the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces.
Prior to his appointment, General Takirwa served as the commanding officer of the Second Division of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces in Mbarara.
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He also had a long history of service in the Ugandan military dating back to 1989. Throughout his career, he held various leadership roles, including a tour in Somalia with the UPDF contingent to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) from 2011 to 2012.
Takirwa also served as the chief of Education, Sports, and Culture in the UPDF. He took over from Lt. General Kayanja Muhanga, who had left to pursue further studies at the South African National Defence College.
He died on February 7, 2026.
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