The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has been struck by fresh grief following the sudden death of Major General Deus Sande, the Armored Division Commander based in Masaka. Maj Gen Sande passed away in the early hours of this morning while travelling to Kampala to attend the funeral of his colleague, Major General Francis Takirwa.
According to reports, Maj Gen Sande developed acute breathing complications at around 3:45 a.m. while en route. He was rushed to a nearby health facility in Mpigi District, where medical personnel made frantic attempts to resuscitate him, but all efforts proved futile. His sudden demise compounds the sorrow within the UPDF fraternity, which had already gathered to bid farewell to another senior officer, now mourning two generals within hours.
Maj Gen Deus Sande was a seasoned and battle-hardened officer whose military career spanned decades in Uganda’s armored and mechanized formations. As the Armored Division Commander in Masaka, he oversaw one of the most strategically significant units in the land forces, responsible for heavy combat capability, armored warfare readiness, and territorial security across the greater southern corridor.
Known for his strict discipline, operational vigilance, and deep institutional memory, Sande was regarded as a quiet yet highly effective commander. His leadership in armored doctrine, training, and deployment earned him widespread respect among both subordinates and peers. Colleagues often described him as a principled officer who prioritized professionalism and mission focus over public recognition, while maintaining a paternal concern for the welfare of his troops.
Maj Gen Sande’s death while en route to pay respects to a fellow general stands as a poignant testament to his sense of duty and camaraderie. Military sources note that he had not previously exhibited signs of severe illness, making his passing both shocking and deeply unsettling for those who knew him.
His sudden departure leaves a significant vacuum in the command of the Armored Division at a time when the UPDF continues to modernize and strengthen its mechanized capabilities in response to evolving regional security challenges. The military community now mourns the loss of a leader whose dedication, discipline, and service left an indelible mark on Uganda’s defense forces.
Colleagues, subordinates, and military analysts alike have paid tribute to Maj Gen Sande, describing him as a soldier’s soldier, whose legacy will continue to influence Uganda’s armored formations for years to come.
