Maj. Gen. Sande remembered for loyalty and leadership

The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) on February 13, 2026, paid tribute to the late Major General Deus Sande Karachi, former Commander of the Armoured Division in Masaka, who passed away on Wednesday after suffering breathing complications. A requiem Mass was held at Bugonga Catholic Church in Entebbe.

Speaking on behalf of the government, the Minister of State for Animal Industry, Col (Rtd) Bright Rwamirama, described the late officer as an intellectual and instructor who made significant sacrifices during the liberation struggle at a time when many Ugandans were internally displaced.

“He was among those who sacrificed when nearly 20 per cent of Ugandans were refugees in their own country. Because of that sacrifice, Uganda is today peaceful and stable,” he said.

Rwamirama urged mourners to take their health seriously and pay attention to early warning signs. “Let us be cautious about our lives. The small indications we tend to ignore can have serious implications. Regular medical check-ups should be a priority,” he added.

On behalf of the Chief of Defence Forces, the Commander of the Air Force, Lieutenant General Charles Okidi, described the late general as organised, disciplined and deeply committed to peace and professionalism within the ranks.

Lt Col (Rtd) Bright Rwamirama delivers his remarks at Bugonga Catholic Church.

“The UPDF fraternity has lost a remarkable leader who touched many lives during his service,” Lt Gen Okidi said.

On behalf of the family, Annet Sande honoured her late husband for his steadfast commitment to duty and deep devotion to his family.

“He had a listening ear, constant love, and unwavering support for us. His strength and character defined him. His legacy will live on through the many lives he mentored and touched,” she said.

The Mass, led by Rev. Fr John Paul Jjumba, was attended by senior generals, officers, clergy, family members and friends.

Maj. Gen. Sande on Wednesday declined a request by his bodyguard and driver to be taken to the nearest hospital after he complained of breathing problems shortly after boarding his official vehicle in Masaka.

According to a highly placed security official, Maj. Gen. Sande complained of breathing problems, but when he was asked to first see medical personnel, he insisted he would be fine and asked the driver to continue since he wanted to be in Kampala in time for the funeral service of Maj. Gen. Francis Takirwa, the former Deputy Commander Land Forces, passed away on Saturday.

Widow Annet Sande delivers a eulogy in honour of her late husband, during the funeral service.

It has since emerged that his driver and bodyguard kept checking on him as they drove, but when they reached Mpigi district, he had slumped at the back of the car, prompting them to make an emergency stop at a nearby clinic for medical attention.

Acting director of defence public information Chris Magazi said, “Major General Sande developed breathing complications along the way, and efforts to resuscitate him at a hospital facility in Mpigi failed.”

As his family, friends, the UPDF and the country come to terms with his death, many say Maj. Gen. Sande was approachable and down to earth. He has also been described as an avid reader of books on security, governance and global affairs, often engaging in thoughtful conversations at his desk in Kasijagirwa Barracks.

To many, he was a disciplined, patriotic and dedicated servant, and his commitment to ensuring Uganda remained stable left a lasting mark on the UPDF and the communities he served.

Residents in Greater Masaka, where he served as commander, say his contribution to national security and community partnership initiatives will be remembered with deep respect and gratitude.

“He was a kind of man who generously contributed to so many functions in the greater Masaka region but never wanted this made public,” resident city commissioner of Masaka city, Ahmed Washaki, told New Vision.

Even though army officers are expected to be non-partisan, Maj. Gen. Sande never hid his political views and was never shy about supporting the National Resistance Movement. In 2020, he said the army would not hand over power to a politically bankrupt opposition, a statement that immediately drew condemnation from political players in the country.

Who was Major General Sande?

RA07689 was born in Kigata parish, Kyanamira subcounty, Ndorwa East County in Kabale district on July 26, 1964, to the late Mathew Karachi.

He joined the NRA on May 5, 1989, and was commissioned on August 26, 1995. During his career in the army, he underwent several military training courses, including the Officer Cadet Course, Tank Crew Level 3 Course, Tank Commander Course, Instructors Course in Jinja, Tank Battalion Commander Course and Senior Command and Staff Course in Kimaka in 2007.

Over the years, Major General Sande held several command and staff appointments, and at the time of his death, he was the Division Commander of the Armoured Division. His previous appointments included Administrative Officer Armoured Brigade, Officer Commanding Tank Company in the Armoured Brigade, Commanding Officer II Tank Battalion, Commanding Officer One Tank Battalion, Directing Staff Junior Staff College in Jinja, Commanding Officer 4 Tank Battalion and, from 2016 to 2021, Chief Instructor at the Kalama Armoured Warfare Training School in the Kabamba Cantonment, Mubende district.

Maj. Gen. Sande was last promoted on November 18, 2025, to the rank of Major General. He had previously held the ranks of Second Lieutenant in 1985, Lieutenant in 1997, Captain in 2001, Major in 2003, Lieutenant Colonel in 2009, Colonel in 2013 and later Brigadier General.

He will be buried in Kabale on Sunday at 2.00 pm.