The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) and the national security fraternity are mourning the sudden death of Major General Deus Sande, the Division Commander of the UPDF Armoured Brigade based in Masaka.
The death was confirmed on Wednesday by the Acting Director of Defence Public Information (DDPI), Colonel Chris Magezi, who described the loss as a major blow to the UPDF.
“Tragedy has struck the UPDF family again. With deep sorrow, we confirm the sudden passing of the UPDF Armoured Division Commander (Masaka), Major General Deus Sande,” Col Magezi said in a statement.
According to the UPDF, Maj Gen Sande passed away in the early hours of Wednesday morning at around 3:45 a.m. in Mpigi District while en route to Kampala to attend the funeral service of his colleague, the late Major General Francis Takirwa, at All Saints Cathedral, Nakasero.
Col Magezi explained that Maj Gen Sande developed sudden breathing complications during the journey. He was rushed to a health facility in Mpigi, where efforts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.
“Major General Takirwa passed away on Saturday, February 7, 2026. Unfortunately, along the way, Maj Gen Deus Sande developed breathing complications, and despite medical intervention, he could not be saved,” Col Magezi said, adding that the exact cause of death will be established later.
The UPDF extended its condolences to the family, relatives, friends, and colleagues of the deceased.
Maj Gen Deus Sande rose to national prominence around 2020 following remarks that were perceived as partisan during his military service. At the time, the UPDF officially distanced itself from the statements.
He was later promoted from Brigadier General to Major General last year by the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
During the 2021 general election period, Maj Gen Sande reportedly played a role in security operations in his capacity as a regional military commander.
Meanwhile, Kabale Municipality Member of Parliament, Dr Nicholas Kamara, eulogised the fallen officer as a personable and open-minded individual.
“Whenever we met, we discussed many political issues quite freely. What he said in public often appeared different from the person you encountered one-on-one,” Dr Kamara said.
