A wave of grief has swept through Kabale District and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) following the sudden death of Maj. Gen. Deus Sande, the Commander of the UPDF Armoured Division.
Maj. Gen. Sande passed away on Wednesday while travelling to Kampala to attend the funeral service of the late Maj. Gen. Francis Takirwa at All Saints Cathedral, Nakasero. According to the UPDF, the senior officer developed breathing complications during the journey and later died in Masaka.
The UPDF Acting Spokesperson, Col. Chris Magezi, said efforts to save his life were unsuccessful.
“He was on his way to Kampala to attend the funeral service of comrade Maj. Gen. Francis Takirwa (RIP) when he developed breathing complications. He was rushed to a health facility in Mpigi, but efforts to resuscitate him failed,” Col. Magezi said.
He added that the exact cause of death will be established following further medical examination.
The death of Maj. Gen. Sande comes barely a week after the passing of Maj. Gen. Takirwa, the Deputy Commander of UPDF Land Forces, who succumbed to a long illness linked to a stroke. The back-to-back loss of two senior commanders has cast a pall over the armed forces, triggering an outpouring of tributes from military leaders, politicians and civilians alike.
In Kabale District, where Maj. Gen. Sande hailed from, news of his death spread rapidly, plunging residents into shock and disbelief. At his ancestral home in Ruboroga village, Kyanamira Sub- County in Ndorwa East Constituency, mourners began gathering shortly after the announcement.
Family members, friends, veterans, church leaders and local residents streamed to the homestead to offer condolences and support as burial preparations commenced.
His brother, Valence Katimba, described the late general as a central figure in the family.
“He was our backbone. He guided us in family matters, supported us financially and emotionally, and ensured unity among relatives. His death has left a huge gap that will be very hard to fill,” Katimba said.
Relatives recalled spending time with him just days before his death.
“He had been with us since Sunday last week. He told us he was travelling to Mbarara for a burial. We did not know that would be the last time we would see him alive,” family members said.
They described him as warm, approachable and deeply rooted in his community.
“Whenever he came back home, he freely socialised with everyone. Despite his high rank, he never isolated himself. He remained one of us,” said his brother-in-law, William Julius Katweriomunda.
Despite holding one of the UPDF’s most strategic positions as Commander of the Armoured Division based in Masaka, Maj. Gen. Sande maintained close ties with his home area.
His uncle, Ferediano Bwororwa, said the general valued relationships and remained grounded.
“He carried heavy responsibilities, but he never cut off ties with family and neighbours. People could approach him freely,” Bwororwa said.
Caleb Turyamutunga, the leader of veterans in Kabale District, described him as a disciplined officer who promoted unity among serving and retired soldiers.
“He respected veterans and encouraged solidarity and patriotism. This is a big loss not only to the UPDF but also to us back home,” Turyamutunga said.
Within military circles, Maj. Gen. Sande was regarded as a seasoned officer with extensive experience in armoured and mechanised warfare. The Armoured Division plays a critical role in the UPDF’s combat readiness by providing strategic mobility and firepower.
Col. Magezi described him as a dedicated professional.
“The UPDF has lost a committed and professional officer whose contribution to national security will be remembered,” he said.
Beyond his military career, Maj. Gen. Sande was widely praised for his contributions to education and church development in Kabale.
At Kacuro Primary School, where he studied, staff and pupils are mourning a benefactor who supported infrastructure development. Headteacher Eric Birebiremu said the late general played a key role in improving the school.
“He contributed to the construction of classroom blocks and improvement of school infrastructure. He was committed to ensuring children in his home area accessed better learning facilities,” Birebiremu said.
Community members said he also mobilised support for education initiatives and church development projects, believing in service beyond the barracks.
As consultations continue between the family and UPDF authorities, burial preparations are underway. Given his rank, Maj. Gen. Sande is expected to be accorded full military honours.
Meanwhile, mourners continue to gather at his ancestral home in Ruboroga village, sharing memories of a disciplined yet humble leader who balanced military service with deep commitment to community development.
