Maj Gen Deus Sande Laid To Rest As Leaders Hail His Sacrifice And Professionalism

The former Commander of the Armoured Division of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Major General Deus Karachi Sande, has been laid to rest at his ancestral home in Kacuro Village, Kigata Parish, Kyanamira Sub-county, Ndorwa East County, Kabale District.

​The fallen General, who passed away on February 11, 2026, due to respiratory complications, was honoured with a 13-gun salute in a ceremony defined by tributes to his “legacy of sacrifice, professionalism, and loyalty.”

​Representing the government, the Minister of State for Trade, Hon Gen Wilson Mbasu Mbadi, described the late Maj Gen Sande as a results-oriented officer whose dedication was central to the nation’s current stability and urged serving soldiers to reflect on the legacy they will leave behind and emulate the late’s contributions to peace and national stability.

​“To soldiers, you should learn from Gen Sande’s contributions so that you can be like him or even better,” Gen Mbadi said.

The Minister challenged serving officers to be mindful of the legacies they leave behind, noting that Sande’s ability to integrate seamlessly into any community made him an approachable and highly effective leader.

​Speaking on behalf of the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), the Joint Staff Political Commissariat, Maj Gen Henry Masiko, described Maj Gen Sande as an officer of unique character who balanced duty with personal life and was always accessible and dependable.

​”Gen Sande hardly ever switched off his phone; no matter the hour, he was available,” Maj Gen Masiko remarked.

He characterised the late General as a distinguished officer whose resilience and integrity earned him the admiration of both superiors and subordinates alike.

​The widow, Mrs. Annet Sande, remembered her husband as a pillar of the family who extended his care far beyond his three biological children.

​”General Sande and I had three children together, but we have many other children under our care,” she shared, describing him as a deeply compassionate man.

She expressed gratitude to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the UPDF leadership for the trust placed in her husband through various command and staff appointments. “I strongly believe that he did not disappoint you.”

The requiem mass, led by Rev. Fr. Davis Keinamura, was attended by government Ministers, UPDF generals, senior and junior officers, Resident District Commissioners, Members of Parliament, religious leaders, friends, and family.