KAMPALA, Uganda — Maj. Gen. Deus Sande, the commander of the UPDF Armoured Division whose career was marked by both military distinction and a series of high-profile political controversies, died Wednesday after a suspected heart attack near Mpigi. He was 56.
Sande was traveling from Masaka to Kampala to serve as a sword-bearer for the funeral of Maj. Gen. Francis Takirwa when he fell ill. He was rushed to Mpigi Referral Hospital before being transferred to Nakasero Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
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His death brings to a close the life of a general who became a lightning rod for the debate over the military’s role in Ugandan politics. Sande, a veteran of the National Resistance Army bush war, rose to national prominence in late 2020 while serving as the commander of the Masaka Armoured Brigade.
During the 2021 election cycle, Sande drew intense criticism for remarks perceived as an open declaration of partisan loyalty. While addressing NRM mobilizers in Masaka, he famously stated that the military was not prepared to hand over power to the opposition, specifically referencing Robert Kyagulanyi and the National Unity Platform.
“We are not planning a handover; actually, we are consolidating,” Sande told the gathered supporters. He added that the army would not “thoughtlessly” relinquish control to those he described as “ideologically bankrupt.”
The comments sparked immediate outrage from opposition leaders, including Kyagulanyi and Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu, who accused Sande of violating the UPDF Act. While the army leadership at the time described the remarks as his personal views, Sande remained a key figure in the security establishment and continued his ascent through the ranks.
In March 2025, Sande was promoted to the rank of major general by Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who cited his “flawless track record of excellent service.”
In the final year of his life, Sande appeared to cultivate a more conciliatory public image. In an interview just weeks before his death, he urged Ugandans to move past the tensions of the 2026 election cycle and focus on economic development. He frequently called on opposition supporters to work with the government, describing the UPDF as a neutral protector of all citizens.
Beyond the political arena, Sande was recognized for his role in regional security and diplomacy. He had served as a commander for the Ugandan contingent in the AMISOM mission in Somalia and was known in Masaka for mediating local leadership and land disputes.
The UPDF has yet to release a full burial schedule. Sande is survived by his family and the soldiers of the Armoured Division he led at Kasajjagirwa Barracks.
