As hundreds gathered at Our Lady of Sorrows Cathedral for the requiem Mass of the late Major General Deus Karachi Sande, the Armoured Division Commander based in Masaka, the tributes painted a portrait far removed from the storm of controversy that once defined his public image.
Maj. Gen Sande, who passed away suddenly on February 11, 2026, from breathing complications while traveling to attend a colleague’s funeral, was remembered not primarily for polarizing statements, Speaker after speaker praised him as humble, deeply religious, and committed to the revolutionary struggle linked to Uganda’s stability and progress.
The Chief Mourner was Lt. Gen. James Mugira, Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) of the National Enterprise Corporation, who represented the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
Among the dignitaries present were Minister of State for Health Hajjati Anifa Kawooya and former Minister for Defence Hon. Vincent Ssempijja, alongside clergy, senior military officers, family members, and a large gathering of faithful from Masaka Diocese and beyond.
Despite his high military stature, speakers highlighted his humility, accessibility to ordinary people, and unwavering support for community and church projects.
The service, led by the Vicar General Msgr. Dr. Dominic Ssengooba on behalf of Bishop Serverus Jjumba, focused on celebrating the 61-year-old general’s life of service, faith, and dedication.
During the service, the Chancellor, Rev Fr Dr. Charles Jude Jjuuko, in his sermon described the General as a man whose life was centered on God from baptism through his marriage and professional rise.
While giving a homily, Rev Fr Dr. Jjuuko said that while some people’s faith is questioned at their death, Maj. Gen. Sande’s devotion was clear to all and was supposed to be prayed in the church.
“Despite his high military rank, he was known for his humility and for standing with the Church during both joyful and difficult times,” the Chancellor said.
He added that the deceasedwas a major supporter of construction projects, including St. John Mary Vianney Mutukula Parish, Kisojo Centre, and St. Andrew’s Church of Uganda, as well as various schools and private individuals together with community
“His name The name “Deus” or Deusdedit in full means God has given—a gift that God has now called back home,” Rev Fr Dr. Jjuuko added.
Hon. Anifa Kawooya Bangirana, the Minister of State for Health and General Duties, spoke on behalf of the government. She urged mourners to reflect on how they spend their short time on earth, emphasizing that good deeds are the only path to a peaceful eternity.
Lt. Gen. Mugira, delivering Gen. Muhoozi’s message, praised Sande’s discipline, loyalty, and belief in God, noting the cathedral’s welcome as a testament to his faith. He described Sande as a leader who thanked God for every achievement and whose service exemplified the revolutionary cause’s values of sacrifice, professionalism, and people-centered leadership.
He thanked Bishop Jjumba for welcoming the General into the Cathedral for prayer “really it’s a strong sign that he has believed in God all the time.”
Lt. Gen. Mugira recalled Sande’s habit of thanking God for every milestone, including his promotion to Major General and even the acquisition of a new vehicle.
“We saw the photos circulation in social media were the Bishop Jjumba blessed the car,”he added.
He further praised Sande as a disciplined and loyal officer who transformed the UPDF Engineering Department.
However despite this tribute, it is clear that Maj. Gen. Sande’s public image among sections of Ugandans online and those in opposition circles had been shaped negatively due to controversial political comments he made around the election period.
Then-Brig. Sande drew scrutiny for statements perceived as partisan, reportedly declaring that the UPDF would not hand over power to “ideologically bankrupt” politicians or those outside the ruling establishment, prompting the military to distance itself officially at the time.
These remarks, amid heightened political tensions, portrayed him in some quarters as a symbol of military involvement in politics and repression, fueling criticism and polarized reactions even following his passing.
About the fallen General
Major General Deus Karachi Sande was born on July 26, 1964, in Kacuro village, Kigata Parish, Kyanamira Sub-county, Ndorwa East County, Kabale District. He joined the army on May 5, 1989, and received a commission on August 22, 1995. Over the years, Sande completed key professional military courses, including training at the Junior Military Academy, Armoured Warfare Training School Karama, Senior Command and Staff College Kimaka, and the Junior Staff College in Jinja.
Sande held several command and staff roles during a career spanning more than three decades. He served as commander of armoured brigades and battalions, an instructor, and a staff officer, before assuming command of the Armoured Division at Masaka Barracks. His promotions followed a steady rise through the ranks, from second lieutenant in 1995 to major general on November 18, 2025, marking the final milestone in a long record of military service.
Maj. Gen. Deus Karachi Sande’s sudden passing on February 11, 2026, from breathing complications while traveling from Masaka to Kampala (en route to attend a colleague’s funeral), has left a profound void. Yet, as mourners gathered in Kitovu Cathedral, the consensus was clear: he lived as a true man of the people; approachable, faith-driven, and devoted to Uganda’s revolutionary legacy.
