Job Namanya
KABALE – A sombre mood has engulfed Kabale District and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) following the sudden death of Maj. Gen. Deus Sande, Commander of the UPDF Armoured Division, passed away this morning while on official travel.
The senior army officer died in Masaka after developing breathing complications while en route to Kampala to attend the funeral service of the late Maj. Gen. Francis Takirwa at All Saints Cathedral in Nakasero.
The UPDF confirmed his passing in an official statement released by the acting spokesperson, Col. Chris Magezi.
“He was on his way to Kampala to attend the funeral service of comrade Major General Francis Takirwa (RIP) at All Saints Cathedral in Nakasero. Major General Sande developed breathing complications along the way, and efforts to resuscitate him at a hospital facility in Mpigi failed,” Col. Magezi said.
The military noted that the exact cause of death will be determined after further medical examination.
Maj. Gen. Sande’s death comes barely a week after the passing of Maj. Gen. Takirwa, the UPDF Land Forces Deputy Commander, succumbed to a long illness related to a stroke. The back-to-back loss of two senior commanders has cast a shadow over the armed forces and sparked an outpouring of tributes from military officers, political leaders, and community members.
Shock and Grief in Ruboroga
In Kabale District, where Maj. Gen. Sande hailed from; news of his death spread quickly, leaving residents in disbelief. At his ancestral home in Ruboroga village, Kyanamira Sub-county in Ndorwa East Constituency, mourners began gathering shortly after confirmation of his passing.
Family members, friends, veterans, church leaders, and residents streamed into the homestead to offer condolences and support for burial preparations.
Valence Katimba, the deceased’s brother, described Maj. Gen. Sande as a pillar of strength within the family.
“He has been our backbone. He guided us in family matters, supported us financially and emotionally, and ensured unity among relatives. His death has created a vacuum that will be very difficult to fill,” Katimba said.
Other family members, including his brother-in-law William Julius Katweriomunda and his aunt Tufererina Borwoba, reflected emotionally on the final days they spent with him.
“He had been with us since Sunday last week. He informed us that he was travelling to Mbarara for a burial. We did not know that would be the last time we would see him alive,” relatives said.
Family members described him as warm, approachable, and deeply attached to his roots.
“Whenever he returned to the village, he would socialise with everyone in the community. He did not isolate himself because of his rank. He remained one of us,” Katweromunda said.
A Commander who remained grounded
Despite holding one of the most strategic positions in the UPDF as Commander of the Armoured Division based in Masaka, Maj. Gen. Sande is widely remembered for maintaining close ties with his community.
Ferediano Bwororwa, an uncle to the deceased, said the general valued relationships and maintained strong connections with residents of Ruboroga and beyond.
“He remained grounded. Even with the responsibilities of commanding a major division, he kept in touch with family and neighbours. People could approach him freely,” Bwororwa said.
Caleb Turyamutunga, who leads veterans in Kabale District, described Maj. Gen. Sande as a disciplined officer who maintained solidarity among both serving and retired soldiers.
“As veterans, we have been working closely with him. He respected former fighters and always encouraged unity and patriotism. This is a loss not just to the army but to all of us here at home,” Turyamutunga said.
Within military circles, Maj. Gen. Sande was regarded as an experienced officer with extensive expertise in armoured warfare and mechanised operations. The Armoured Division plays a critical role in the UPDF’s combat readiness, providing strategic mobility and firepower in national defence operations.
Col. Magezi described the late commander as a dedicated professional who served his country with distinction.
“The UPDF has lost a committed and professional officer whose contribution to national security will be remembered,” Magezi said.
Champion of education and church development
Beyond his military achievements, Maj. Gen. Sande is being celebrated for his contributions to education and church development in Kabale.
At Kacuro Primary School, where he studied as a young boy, staff and pupils are mourning a benefactor who played a pivotal role in improving infrastructure.
Headteacher Eric Birebiremu described him as instrumental in the school’s growth.
“The late Gen. Sande contributed towards the construction of classroom blocks and the improvement of the school’s infrastructure. He remained committed to ensuring that children in his home area accessed better learning facilities,” Birebiremu said.
Community members said he often mobilised support for education initiatives, believing that access to quality education was essential for transforming rural communities.
Relatives also noted that he played a significant role in supporting church activities within the area.
“He supported church programs and development projects. He believed in faith and community service,” one family member said.
His contributions, residents say, reflect a man who successfully bridged military service with community development using his position not only to defend the country but also to uplift his home area.
Awaiting burial arrangements
At his ancestral home, preparations continue as the family consults with UPDF authorities regarding burial arrangements.
Given his rank, Maj. Gen. Sande is expected to receive full military honours, though by press time, official details regarding the burial date and venue had not yet been announced.
Mourners continue to stream into Ruboroga village, offering prayers and sharing memories of a man many describe as disciplined yet humble, authoritative yet approachable.
For the UPDF, his death marks the loss of a strategic commander at a time when regional security dynamics require experienced leadership. For Kabale, it is the loss of a son of the soil who never severed ties with his community.
For his family, it is the loss of a father, brother, uncle, and mentor whose guidance shaped many lives.