MPIGI.
The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) fraternity is in shock after losing another high ranking military officer in a space of three days. Maj Gen Deus Sande, Division Commander of the Armoured Brigade in Masaka City died suddenly in the wee hours of Monday morning .
“Tragedy has struck the UPDF family again, and with deep sorrow, we confirm the sudden passing of the UPDF Armored Division Commander (Masaka) Maj Gen Deus Sande early this morning in Mpigi District,” UPDF Acting Director of Public Information, Col Chris Magezi said.
According to Col Magezi, the high-ranking officer died at around 3:45am while travelling to Kampala, where he was expected to serve as a sword bearer at the funeral of his rankmate near the Nakasero State Lodge.
“He was on his way to Kampala to attend the funeral service of comrade Maj Gen Francis Takirwa (RIP) at All Saints Cathedral in Nakasero,” Col Magezi wrote on X, explaining the death of the National Resistance Army (NRA) revolutionary.
“Maj Gen 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,” he added.
Maj Gen Sande, who gained public attention around 2020 for remarks perceived as partisan during his military service, was promoted last year from Brigadier General to Major General by military chief Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
Around 2020, then-Brig Deus Sande drew public scrutiny in comments carried by NTV Uganda, stating that the army would not hand over power to “ideologically bankrupt” politicians. At the time, the UPDF officially 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 AMISOM contingent in Mogadishu, Somalia.
The burial of the late Maj Gen Francis Takirwa, who died on February 7, 2026, is scheduled for Thursday, while the date for Maj Gen Deus Sande’s funeral is yet to be confirmed.
“We extend our condolences to his family, relatives and friends. May his soul rest in peace,” Col Magezi noted.