Mbarara, Uganda: Maj Gen Francis Takirwa, the Deputy Commander of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Land Forces, has died after suffering a stroke-related illness, well-placed military sources have confirmed.
Gen Takirwa’s death, confirmed Saturday morning, has sent shockwaves through the military fraternity and his home area of Mbarara, where he is being remembered as a disciplined, professional and decorated officer who served Uganda with distinction.
At the time of his death, Gen Takirwa served as Deputy Commander of the UPDF Land Forces—one of the army’s most critical command structures. The position places its holder at the centre of operational planning, force readiness and coordination of land-based military operations across the country.
Colleagues describe him as a calm strategist and committed commander who rose steadily through the ranks on merit and professionalism.
Who was Maj Gen Francis Takirwa?
Born on November 7, 1965, in Mbarara District, Takirwa attended Mbarara Junior School for primary education and Mbarara High School for his O-Level studies before joining the Uganda military.
His professional military training included the Junior Command and Staff Course at the Uganda Junior Staff College in Jinja (1994), the Company Commanders Course at the Tanzania Military Academy in Monduli (1998), and the Senior Command Course at the Nanjing Army Command College in China (2006).
He also obtained a Diploma in African Strategic Studies from the Nasser Higher Military Academy in Giza, Egypt (2009), and completed an Executive National Security Programme at the South African National Defence College.
A Distinguished military career
Maj Gen Takirwa joined the UPDF in 1989 and went on to hold several key leadership roles. He served as Commanding Officer of the UPDF Second Division based in Mbarara, overseeing operations in the Western Region. He also previously served as Chief of Education, Sports and Culture in the UPDF.
Internationally, Takirwa was part of the UPDF contingent deployed to Somalia under African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) between 2011 and 2012, contributing to regional stabilisation and counter-insurgency operations.
Details regarding funeral arrangements, official tributes and honours are expected once the UPDF releases a formal statement. Military sources say senior commanders are expected to lead in paying tribute to an officer widely regarded as professional, disciplined and deeply committed to Uganda’s security.
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