The former Commander of the Armoured Division of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), Major General Deus Sande Karachi, has been laid to rest at his ancestral home in Kacuro Village, Kigata Parish, Kyanamira Sub-county, Ndorwa East County, Kabale District.
According to the Acting Director of Defence Public Information, Colonel Chris Magezi, Sande passed away at around 03:45 on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, in Mpigi District after reportedly developing breathing complications.
He had been travelling to All Saints Cathedral to attend the funeral service of the late former Deputy Commander of the UPDF Land Forces, Major General Francis Takirwa.
Sande was accorded a 13-gun salute at his burial, in a ceremony marked by solemn tributes celebrating his legacy of sacrifice, professionalism and loyalty to the nation.
Representing the government, Gen Wilson Mbasu Mbadi, the Minister of State for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, described the late Sande as a results-oriented officer whose dedication strengthened national stability.
He urged serving soldiers to reflect on the legacy they will leave behind and to emulate Sande’s contribution to peace and security.
“To soldiers, you should learn from Gen Sande’s contributions so that you can be like him or even better,” Mbadi said.
He further challenged officers to remain mindful of the legacies they build, highlighting Sande’s ability to integrate seamlessly into diverse communities, which made him approachable and effective as a leader.
Representing the Chief of Defence Forces and Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Joint Staff Political Commissariat, Maj Gen Henry Masiko, described Sande as an officer of unique character who balanced professional duty with personal life while remaining consistently accessible.
“Gen Sande hardly ever switched off his phone; no matter the hour, he was available,” Masiko said, adding that his integrity earned him admiration from both superiors and subordinates.
In an emotional tribute, the widow, Mrs Annet Sande, remembered her husband as a pillar of the family whose care extended beyond their three biological children.
“General Sande and I had three children together, but we have many other children under our care,” she said, describing him as compassionate and devoted.
She also expressed gratitude to President Yoweri Museveni and the UPDF leadership for the trust placed in her husband through various command and staff appointments.
“I strongly believe that he did not disappoint you,” she said.
A veteran of the National Resistance Army bush war, Sande 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 tasked with armoured warfare readiness, training and deployment.
During his distinguished career, Sande contributed to strengthening Uganda’s defence capabilities, including deployment under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), where he served with Ugandan contingents engaged in stabilisation and peace support operations.
Following his death, Gen Muhoozi appointed Brig Gen Jackson Pande Kajuba as the new Commander of the UPDF Armoured Division in Masaka.
In the same reshuffle, Wilson Bagonza Rwakanara of the Special Forces Command was promoted to Brigadier General and appointed Deputy Commander of the Armoured Division.
The requiem mass was led by Rev. Fr. Davis Keinamura, representing the Bishop of Kabale Diocese, Rt Rev Callist Rubaramira.
It was attended by ministers, UPDF generals, senior and junior officers, Resident District Commissioners, Members of Parliament, religious leaders, friends and family.
