UPDF Armoured Division Commander Maj Gen Deus Sande Passes Away Suddenly

Maj Gen Deus Sande, Commander of the Armoured Division in Masaka, dies suddenly of a heart attack while traveling to a colleague’s funeral on February 11, 2026.

The Uganda People’s Defence Forces has suffered a sudden and profound loss with the death of Major General Deus Sande, the commanding officer of the Armoured Division headquartered at Kasijjagirwa Barracks in Masaka City.

Maj Gen Sande collapsed early this morning while traveling from Masaka to Kampala. He suffered a suspected heart attack around 3:45 a.m. near Mpigi District. Emergency responders provided immediate assistance, including oxygen, and he was first taken to Mpigi Referral Hospital before being transferred to Nakasero Hospital in the capital, where he was later pronounced dead.

At the time of the incident, the senior officer was heading to Kampala to participate in the funeral arrangements of Maj Gen Francis Takirwa, the former Deputy Commander Land Forces, who passed away on February 7 following complications from a stroke. Maj Gen Sande had been selected to serve as sword-bearer during the burial ceremony scheduled for tomorrow.

The unexpected passing of Maj Gen Sande, coming just days after the loss of another high-ranking general, has left the UPDF and the wider security community in deep shock and mourning.

Throughout his distinguished career, Maj Gen Sande led the Armoured Division with dedication, overseeing one of the military’s key mechanised units in the Greater Masaka region. His leadership was marked by a strong emphasis on discipline, readiness, and cooperation between the armed forces and civilian communities.

The army has described his death as a heavy blow to the institution and has promised full support to the grieving family. Official funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming hours.

Maj Gen Deus Sande’s service to Uganda will be remembered with respect and gratitude. May his soul rest in eternal peace.