Title: Senior UPDF Commander Maj Gen Deus Sande Passes On While Traveling to Colleague’s Funeral
The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has announced the sudden death of another senior commander, Major General Deus Sande, just days after the passing of his colleague.
Maj Gen Sande, the Commander of the Masaka Armoured Division, died in the early hours of Wednesday, February 11, 2026, in Mpigi district. According to the UPDF acting spokesperson, Col. Chris Magezi, the general was en route to the funeral service of the late Major General Francis Takirwa in Kampala when he developed acute breathing complications.
“Major General Deus Sande developed breathing complications along the way and efforts to resuscitate him at a hospital facility in Mpigi failed,” Col. Magezi stated. The incident occurred at approximately 3:45 a.m. The exact cause of death is yet to be officially determined.
Maj Gen Sande was traveling to attend the funeral of his former colleague, Major General Francis Takirwa, the Deputy Commander of Land Forces, who died on Saturday, February 7, due to stroke-related complications. His funeral service was scheduled to take place at All Saints Cathedral in Nakasero.
The back-to-back losses represent a significant blow to the senior leadership of the UPDF. Maj Gen Takirwa was a respected figure who served as the army’s Deputy Commander of Land Forces. The late Maj Gen Sande was a key officer responsible for the strategic Masaka Armoured Division.
Col. Magezi noted that further details regarding Maj Gen Sande’s passing would be communicated in due course. The UPDF has extended its condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of both departed generals.
The nation now mourns the loss of two of its high-ranking military officers within a single week.
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