KAMPALA, Uganda — The Uganda People’s Defence Forces is mourning the sudden death of Maj. Gen. Deus Sande Karachi, commander of the Armoured Division, barely a week after another senior general passed on.
According to Col. Chris Magezi, the acting UPDF spokesperson, Maj. Gen. Sande died in Mpigi at about 3:45 a.m. while traveling to All Saints Cathedral in Nakasero to attend the funeral service of Maj. Gen. Francis Takirwa. Takirwa, the former deputy commander of land forces, died last week following stroke related complications.
Magezi said Sande developed breathing complications along the way and was rushed to a health facility in Mpigi, where efforts to resuscitate him failed. The exact cause of death, he added, will be confirmed later.
Sources familiar with the matter, however, said the general is suspected to have suffered a heart attack. He collapsed near Mpigi along the Kampala Masaka highway and was first taken to Mpigi General Hospital for emergency care before arrangements were made to transfer him to Kampala. He was pronounced dead on arrival. He had been scheduled to serve as a sword bearer during the burial proceedings of Maj Gen Francis Takirwa.
Maj. Gen. Sande commanded the Armoured Division based at Kasijjagirwa Barracks in Masaka. The division plays a central role in mechanized operations and national defense mobility. He assumed the position last year after serving in several command roles within the force.
Colleagues described him as firm and disciplined, with a long record in field operations. Residents in Masaka, where he was a familiar figure, expressed shock at the news.
The deaths of two senior generals within days have stirred concern among sections of the public and military observers. While there is no indication of any link between the incidents, some observers have pointed to the demanding nature of senior military service.
The UPDF is expected to announce official burial arrangements as tributes continue to pour in for the fallen officer.
