The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has expressed deep sorrow following the untimely passing of Major General Deus Sande, the former Commander of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Armoured Division.
In a message posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, Gen Muhoozi conveyed his condolences, describing Maj Gen Sande as a long-time comrade and dedicated officer.
“We are very saddened by the unexpected passing of our long-time comrade Maj. General Deus Sande, Commander Armoured Division. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” he wrote.
According to the Acting Director of Defence Public Information, Colonel Chris Magezi, Maj Gen Sande passed away in the early hours of Wednesday in Mpigi District after reportedly developing breathing complications.
He was being transported to All Saints’ Cathedral, Nakasero in Kampala, where he was scheduled to attend the funeral service of the late former Deputy Commander of the UPDF Land Forces, Major General Francis Takirwa.
Maj Gen Sande was a veteran of the National Resistance Army (NRA) bush war and rose steadily through the ranks of the UPDF to become one of the country’s senior military leaders.
At the time of his passing, he was serving as Commander of the Armoured Division based at Kasijagirwa Barracks in Masaka.
The division is a key mechanised formation responsible for armoured warfare readiness, training, and deployment.
Over the course of his military career, Maj Gen Sande contributed to strengthening Uganda’s defence capabilities both domestically and abroad.
He served under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), where he was part of Ugandan contingents engaged in stabilisation and peace support operations.
In 2020, while serving as Brigadier General and Commander of the Mechanised Brigade in Masaka, he attracted public attention after making remarks during a period of heightened political discourse.
The comments were perceived by some as political in nature, prompting clarification from UPDF leadership at the time.
Despite that episode, colleagues and members of the public continued to acknowledge his long service and commitment to national security.
Funeral arrangements are yet to be formally announced by the UPDF.
