Kasijjagirwa Division Commander Maj Gen Deus Sande Dead

The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has been plunged into mourning following the sudden death of Major General Deus Sande, the Commander of the UPDF Armoured Division based in Masaka.

According to the UPDF spokesperson, Col Chris Magezi, Maj Gen Sande passed away in the early hours of Monday morning at around 3:45 a.m. in Mpigi District.

Col Magezi said the senior officer was travelling to Kampala to attend the funeral service of Maj Gen Francis Takirwa, which was scheduled to take place at All Saints Cathedral, Nakasero.

“Maj Gen Deus Sande developed breathing complications while on the way to Kampala. Efforts to resuscitate him at a health facility in Mpigi were unsuccessful,” Col Magezi said in a statement.

Maj Gen Takirwa, the Deputy Commander of the UPDF Land Forces, died on Saturday, February 7, 2026, after a stroke-related illness.

The UPDF said the exact cause of Maj Gen Sande’s death will be established later, following medical examinations.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, relatives, friends, and the entire UPDF fraternity during this difficult time,” the army spokesperson added.

Maj Gen Sande’s death comes as a major blow to the UPDF, which has within days lost two senior commanders, deepening grief within the military ranks.