Major General Deus Sande Karachi, the Commander of the Kasijjagirwa Armoured Division of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) based in Masaka City, has died.

According to reports, Gen. Sande passed away on Wednesday morning while being transported to Kampala for advanced medical attention. Sources indicate that the senior officer fell ill in the early hours of the day and was rushed for urgent care, but he died on the way before reaching the capital.

The UPDF confirmed the death through an official statement issued by Colonel Chris Magezi, the Acting Director of Defence Public Information at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA).

Colonel Magezi said, "Tragedy has struck the UPDF family again, and with deep sorrow, we confirm the sudden passing of the UPDF Armored Division Commander (Masaka) Major General Deus Sande early this morning in Mpigi at around 0345 hours. He was on his way to Kampala to attend the funeral service of comrade Major General Francis Takirwa (RIP) at All Saints Cathedral in Nakasero. Major General Takirwa died on Saturday, February 7, 2026. Major General Deus Sande developed breathing complications along the way and efforts to resuscitate him at a hospital facility in Mpigi failed. The exact cause of death will be ascertained later. We extend our condolences to his family, relatives, and friends. MHSRIP."

The statement indicates that Gen. Sande experienced breathing complications while traveling and was rushed to a medical facility in Mpigi, where attempts to revive him were unsuccessful. Authorities said the exact cause of death will be determined later.

Major General Deus Sande was promoted from Brigadier to Major General in March last year. He previously served as Commander of the Kasijjagirwa Armoured Brigade after being deployed in 2020. Under his leadership, the unit was elevated to division status in March 2025, becoming the Kasijjagirwa Armoured Division of the UPDF.

His death comes shortly after the passing of another high-ranking UPDF officer, Major General Francis Takirwa, who served as the Acting Deputy Commander of the Land Forces. Takirwa reportedly died after a short illness, marking another major loss within Uganda’s military leadership.

The UPDF extended condolences to Gen. Sande’s family, friends, and relatives as the force awaits further details.