The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev. Dr Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, has called for leadership anchored in faith, discipline and service to humanity as the country and the military fraternity mourn the late Major General Francis Takiriwa.
Kaziimba delivered the message during a solemn funeral service held at All Saints’ Cathedral, Nakasero, where national leaders, senior Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) commanders, clergy and family members gathered to honour the fallen general.
Maj Gen Takiriwa died on February 7, 2026, at the UPDF National Referral Hospital in Mbuya after complications related to a stroke, bringing to an end a military career spanning more than three decades.
In his sermon, Kaziimba urged leaders to reflect on the values of sacrifice, humility and integrity, noting that positions of power are temporary but character and service endure.
The Archbishop challenged Ugandans — particularly those in leadership — to live lives defined by purpose and service to others, describing public service as both a national responsibility and a moral calling.
His message framed Takiriwa’s life within a broader reflection on service and national duty, themes that resonated with mourners drawn from across government, the military and religious institutions.
The UPDF leadership described Maj Gen Takiriwa as a disciplined, professional and loyal officer whose service significantly contributed to national and regional security.
Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba described him as a “loyal and courageous patriot,” noting that his death represents a major loss to both the military and the country.
In an official communication, the UPDF said his passing had sent shockwaves through the force, marking the end of a distinguished career that began when he joined the army in 1989 and steadily rose through the ranks.
Until his illness, Maj Gen Takiriwa served as Deputy Commander of the UPDF Land Forces, one of the most critical command positions responsible for land-based defence operations.
Throughout his career, he held several key command and leadership roles, including Commander of the UPDF 2nd Division based in Mbarara and Chief of Education, Sports and Culture in the UPDF.
He also served as an army representative in the 10th Parliament, reflecting his role in bridging military and national leadership structures.
Operationally, he served under the African Union Mission in Somalia between 2011 and 2012, contributing to regional peace support efforts at a time of heightened security operations in the Horn of Africa.
His professional military training spanned several countries, including Uganda, Tanzania, China, Egypt and South Africa, equipping him for strategic and command responsibilities across different levels of military leadership.
Defence leaders noted that his death comes at a time when the UPDF continues to rely on experienced commanders to shape doctrine, operations and force development.
The force has since moved to maintain continuity in leadership within the Land Forces command structure.
For many within the military fraternity, Takiriwa’s legacy remains tied to discipline, professionalism and commitment to national duty — values repeatedly highlighted by both church leaders and military commanders during the memorial service.
