The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has been struck by yet another tragedy following the sudden death of Major General Deus Sande, the Armored Division Commander based in Masaka.
Maj. Gen. Sande passed away in the early hours of this morning at around 3:45 a.m. in Mpigi District while traveling to Kampala to attend the funeral service of his colleague, Major General Francis Takirwa, who died on Saturday, February 7, 2026.
Confirming the development, UPDF spokesperson Col. Chris Magezi said the senior officer developed breathing complications during the journey.
“Tragedy has struck the UPDF family again, and with deep sorrow, we confirm the sudden passing of the UPDF Armored Division Commander (Masaka), Major General Deus Sande, early this morning in Mpigi at around 0345 hours,” Col. Magezi stated.
He explained that Maj. Gen. Sande was on his way to All Saints Cathedral in Nakasero for the funeral service of Maj. Gen. Takirwa when he fell ill.
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“Major General Deus Sande developed breathing complications along the way, and efforts to resuscitate him at a hospital facility in Mpigi failed. The exact cause of death will be ascertained later,” Magezi added.
The back-to-back loss of two senior generals within days has left the UPDF fraternity in shock, particularly as Maj. Gen. Sande was traveling to pay his final respects to a fallen comrade when he himself passed on.
Maj. Gen. Takirwa, whose funeral service was scheduled for today, had died over the weekend, prompting an outpouring of tributes from military colleagues and national leaders.
Col. Magezi extended condolences on behalf of the UPDF leadership and rank and file.
“We extend our condolences to his family, relatives, and friends. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” he said.
Further details regarding burial arrangements for Maj. Gen. Sande are expected to be announced by the UPDF in due course.
The twin tragedies mark a somber moment for the country’s armed forces as they mourn two senior commanders within a span of days.
