Uganda’s Deputy Commander of Land Forces, Maj. Gen. Francis Takirwa, has died after reportedly battling an illness, according to security sources. Officials said an official announcement from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) is expected to be released later.

Maj. Gen. Takirwa was a long-serving senior officer in the UPDF, having joined the military in 1989. Over the years, he held several key command and staff positions, building a reputation as an experienced and disciplined leader within the armed forces.

Before becoming Deputy Commander of Land Forces, Takirwa served as commander of the UPDF’s Second Division, headquartered in Mbarara in western Uganda. He also previously worked as the army’s chief of education, sports and culture, a role that involved supporting personnel development and welfare within the force.

Takirwa also served outside Uganda, having been part of the Ugandan troops deployed to Somalia under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) between 2011 and 2012. The mission played a major role in supporting stability efforts in Somalia and countering the al Shabaab insurgency.

Born in 1965 in Mbarara District, Takirwa steadily rose through the ranks after enlisting in the late 1980s. During his military career, he completed multiple professional training programs both locally and abroad, including courses in Uganda, Tanzania, China, Egypt, and South Africa.

Those who worked alongside him described him as a dedicated officer with decades of service to the UPDF.

The army is expected to provide more information, including details regarding burial and funeral arrangements.