The Uganda People’s Defence Forces –UPDF has confirmed the demise of its deputy commander of the Land Forces Maj Gen Francis Takirwa, which occurred this morning at the Army National Referral hospital, Mbuya, in Kampala.
UPDF’s acting director of Defence and Public Information Officer, Col Chris Magezi, said the two star General has succumbed to complications related to stroke. “The UPDF fraternity with deep sorrow announces the death of Maj Gen Francis Takirwa which occurred this morning at about 0600 hours at the UPDF National Referral Hospital Mbuya. He died from complications of stroke,” Col Magezi said.
Gen. Takirwa was initially admitted at Nakasero hospital from December 9, 2025 until Friday when his condition deteriorated and the Army leadership resolved that he be transferred to its referral hospital for long term care and management.
“Until his illness, Major General Takirwa served as the Deputy Commander of the UPDF Land Forces headquartered in Bombo, we condole with his family, relatives, and friends. Burial arrangements will be communicated later,” Col Magezi said.
The deceased General joined the National Resistance Army -later into UPDF- in 1989. This means he has served in the country’s military for at least 37 years. In this period, General Takirwa served in various capacities and attended various courses which helped him grow through the ranks.
Takirwa completed the Junior Command and Staff Course at the Uganda Junior Staff College in Jinja, in 1994 which was later on followed with Company Commanders Course at the Tanzania Military Academy in Monduli in 1998.
Takirwa, attended the Army Senior Command Course at the Nanjing Army Command College in Nanjing, China in 2006. In 2009, Takirwa also obtained a Diploma in African Strategic Studies from the Nasser Higher Military Academy in Giza, Egypt. He also graduated in Executive National Security Programme at the South African National Defence College.
Previously, Takirwa served under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) between 2011 and 2012. Before this, Takirwa had served as Chief of Education, Sports and Culture, and Commander of the 2nd UPDF Division.
Takirwa was promoted to the rank of Colonel in 2014 and six years later achieved the rank of Brigadier General. A year later (2021), he was promoted to Major General which is the third highest rank in Uganda’s military hierachy.
President Yoweri Museveni appointed Maj Gen Takirwa Deputy Commander of the UPDF Land Forces, a position he held until his death. He was deputy to Lieutenant General Kayanja Muhanga. He has died at the age of 61.
****URN****