Adolf Ayoreka | Tayari News
KAMPALA – The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev. Steven Kaziimba Mugalu has asked Members of Parliament of the 11th Parliament, the incoming MPs of the 12th Parliament, and Ministers to advocate for a national Health Insurance Policy for all Ugandans.
Mugalu said National health insurance should be one of the things to be given much attention in the next parliament.
He made the remarks on Wednesday, 11th February, 2026, while officiating the funeral service of the late Maj. Gen. Francis Takirwa at All Saints Cathedral, Nakasero in Kampala.
His remarks followed the Wednesday morning incident in which Maj Gen. Deus Sande, the commander of the armored division in Kasijagirwa, Masaka was pronounced dead as he was heading to Kampala to attend Gen. Takirwa’s funeral service. According to the UPDF, Gen. Sande got breathing complications enroute to Kampala at Mpigi.
According to the head of COU, access to health care is still expensive and the presence of a national health insurance policy would help to save lives if worked on.
“I want to let you know that medical expenses are not easy for an ordinary person currently in Uganda. The institution of UPDF where Maj Gen. Takirwa was serving could afford the medical bills, but it is no so for the ordinary Ugandan,” said Mugalu
“I want to call upon all the people in leadership that now that we are soon getting our oil, all the oil money should have a vote specifically to go for national medical insurance,” he added
The retiring clergy further revealed that Gen. Takirwa was a son of a Reverend and the church has lost a strong pillar in him.
“But we believe like Jesus said that he is the way, truth and life and that remains our hope as Christians,” Kaziimba eulogised
Dr. Miria Matembe, while speaking on behalf of the family said that Takirwa was one of the first cousins of her mother.
“We stand before you with great pain and broken hearts seeing our precious, young, energetic uncle Takirwa lying here as a body. He has touched our lives with great joy, peace, kindness and compassion.” Matembe eulogized, adding that the fallen soldier served his nation and God with total commitment and this gives them great pride as a family.
“He was humble, loving and in his service, he was very sacrificial and selfless. He poured his heart and everything for the lord.” Matembe added.
Ben Mugumya, Takirwa’s son described his father as very honest, kind and hardworking.
“He talked of retiring from the active service of UPDF some time back but later received a promotion and decided to stay in active service,” said Mugumya, adding that his father lived an exemplary life that will keep and indelible mark in their lives.
Gen. James Mugira, who spoke on behalf of UDPF fraternity described Takirwa has a gallant son, decorated two-star general of UPDF whose life was defined by duty, honor and service to his mother land.
“We have lost a freedom fighter who answered the call of duty, with unwavering courage and loyalty, a true patriot who contributed to the liberation of this country that culminated to the peace and stability we are enjoying now” Gen. Mugira said.
He added, “Dear mourners, the giant in command has fallen but I want to associate myself with the words of Archbishop Mugalu that we are all candidates. Like you are aware this morning we lost one of our Generals, Sande Deus who was on his way to this service and was supposed to be among the sword bearers for Takirwa. Therefore, we are not immortals”
Mugira, noted that he worked closely with Takirwa in the 1990s under the then Presidential Protection Unit (PPU) where Takirwa was responsible to the close protection of the president.
“He rose through the ranks, from a private to now a two-star general in UPDF, Takirwa, embodied the core values of our forces which include patriotism, professionalism and discipline.
Huda Oleru Abason, the State Minister for defense and veteran affairs who represented the government reminded the public that apparently, they have a fully UPDF National referral hospital in Mbuya that serves officers of UPDF and general public.
Huda, described Takirwa as a professional general who diligently served his country for 40 years both in the front line and various administrative positions.
“Records show that Takirwa joined the forces in July 1985, and rose through the ranks. His services and contribution to this country will never be forgotten.
Maj. Gen. Takirwa died on February 7, 2026 at UPDF national referral hospital he is going to be laid to rest on Thursday February 12, 2026 at his country home in Rutooma Kashari, Mbarara district.