UPDF deputy commander land forces, Gen Takirwa dies

The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) deputy commander land forces, Maj Gen Francis Takirwa, has died.

Security sources say he has been sick for a while. The army is expected to provide further details later in the day.

Gen Takirwa’s death has sent shockwaves through the military service and his home in Mbarara where he has been eulogised as a great son and a decorated officer who served Uganda with distinction.

His passing has triggered widespread speculations with a postmortem report expected later.

Known for his strategic acumen and dedication to the national security, Gen Takirwa who had a long distinguished career in the UPDF rose through the ranks to serve in several key roles before his appointment as deputy commander land forces.

He was widely respected by colleagues for his professionalism and commitment to Uganda’s security interests.

Who was Maj Gen Francis Takirwa?

He served as the commanding officer of the Second Division of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces in Mbarara, Western Region.

He was born on November 7, 1965 in Mbarara District and attended Mbarara Junior School for his primary education, before joining Mbarara High School for O-Level studies, after which he joined the Uganda Military.

In 1994, he attended the Junior Command and Staff Course at the Uganda Junior Staff College in Jinja and later completed the Company Commanders Course at the Tanzania Military Academy at Monduli in 1998.

In 2006, he attended the Army Senior Command Course at Nanjig Army Command College in Nanjing, China. He obtained a Diploma in African Strategic Studies from the Nasser Higher Military Academy in Giza, Egypt, in 2009. He also completed an Executive National Security Programme at the South African National Defense College.

Military

Maj Gen Takirwa has a long history of service in the Ugandan military dating back to 1989. Throughout his career, he has held various leadership roles, including a tour in Somalia as part of the UPDF contingent to AMISOM from 2011 to 2012. Before being promoted to the commanding officer of the Second Division of the UPDF, Takirwa served as the chief of Education, Sports, and Culture in the UPDF.