Armoured division commander Sande accorded full military honours during burial in Kabale

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Senior military leaders, government officials and hundreds of mourners gathered on February 15, 2026, in Kabale district to pay their final respects to former UPDF Armoured Division Commander MaJ. Gen. Deus Sande Karachi.

Sande was laid to rest with full military honours at his ancestral home in Kacuro Village, Kigata Parish, Kyanamira sub-county, Ndorwa East County.

The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) accorded the late general a 13-gun salute in recognition of his rank and decades of distinguished service to the nation. The ceremony, marked by solemn hymns, disciplined military drills and emotional tributes, celebrated a life defined by loyalty, resilience and results-driven leadership.

According to the acting director of defence public information, Colonel Chris Magezi, Sande passed on at around 3:45am on February 11, 2026, in Mpigi district after reportedly developing breathing complications.

He was travelling to All Saints Cathedral in Kampala city to attend the funeral service of the late former Deputy Commander of the UPDF Land Forces, Maj. Gen. Francis Takirwa, when his condition deteriorated.

His death sent shockwaves through the military establishment, where he was widely regarded as a dependable and professional officer.

Representing the Government at the burial, trade state minister Gen. Wilson Mbasu Mbadi, described Sande as a results-oriented commander whose work significantly strengthened national stability.

“Sande was focused and mission-driven. He understood that peace and security are the foundation of development,” Mbadi said.

He urged serving soldiers to reflect on the legacies they are building and to emulate the fallen general’s dedication.

Mbadi also highlighted Sande’s ability to integrate seamlessly into diverse communities, noting that his approachable nature made him an effective leader both in the barracks and among civilians.

Unique character

Representing Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Joint Staff Political Commissariat Maj Gen Henry Masiko, described Sande as an officer of unique character who balanced professional duty with family life while remaining consistently accessible to his colleagues.

“Gen Sande hardly ever switched off his phone; no matter the hour, he was available,” Masiko said. He emphasised that Sande’s integrity and humility earned him admiration from both his superiors and subordinates.

Operational effectiveness

At the time of his passing, Sande was serving as Commander of the Armoured Division of the Uganda People's Defence Forces, based at Kasijagirwa Barracks in Masaka district.

The division is a key mechanised formation responsible for armoured warfare readiness, training and deployment, playing a critical role in safeguarding Uganda’s territorial integrity.

A veteran of the National Resistance Army bush war, Sande rose steadily through the ranks to become one of the country’s senior military leaders. Over the years, he held several command and staff appointments that shaped Uganda’s defence posture.

His distinguished career included deployment under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), where he served with Ugandan contingents engaged in stabilisation and peace support operations. Fellow officers credited him with strengthening operational effectiveness and mentoring younger commanders during both domestic and international assignments.

Family man

In an emotional tribute, widow Annet remembered her husband as a devoted family man whose generosity extended beyond their immediate household.

“General Sande and I had three children together, but we have many other children under our care,” she said, describing him as compassionate and deeply committed to the welfare of others.

She also expressed gratitude to President Yoweri Museveni and the UPDF leadership for the trust placed in her husband through various appointments.

“I strongly believe that he did not disappoint you,” she said, drawing quiet nods from mourners.

The requiem mass was led by Rev. Fr. Davis Keinamura, representing Kabale Bishop Callist Rubaramira. Religious leaders urged mourners to uphold unity and service, virtues they said defined the late general’s life.

New roles

Following Sande’s death, Muhoozi appointed Brig. Gen. Jackson Pande Kajuba as the new commander of the UPDF Armoured Division in Masaka. In the same reshuffle, Wilson Bagonza Rwakanara of the Special Forces Command was promoted to Brig. Gen. and appointed deputy commander of the Armoured Division.

As the burial ceremony reached its climax, a military band played the Last Post before the 13-gun salute thundered across the hills of Kabale.

Soldiers stood at attention as the national flag draped over the casket was carefully folded and handed to the widow, symbolising the nation’s gratitude for his service.

Ministers, UPDF generals, senior and junior officers, Resident District Commissioners, Members of Parliament, religious leaders, friends and family members attended the ceremony, reflecting the broad respect Sande commanded.

In their tributes, speakers returned to a common theme: that Maj Gen Deus Sande Karachi was not only a decorated soldier, but a leader whose legacy of professionalism, accessibility and unwavering patriotism will endure within the ranks of the UPDF and in the communities he served.

As dusk settled over his ancestral home, the message from both military and civilian leaders was clear — Uganda had lost a steadfast defender, but his example will continue to inspire generations of soldiers.