Written By | BK Mugizi
Maj Gen Takirwa had a distinguished military career
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By Our Reporter
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) is mourning the death of Major General Francis Takirwa, the Deputy Commander of the UPDF Land Forces, who passed away on Friday morning at about 6:00am.
In a statement, the Acting Director of Defence Public Information, Colonel Chris Magezi, confirmed that Maj Gen Takirwa died at the UPDF National Referral Hospital in Mbuya following complications arising from a stroke.
“The UPDF fraternity, with deep sorrow, announces the death of Major General Francis Takirwa, which occurred this morning at about 0600 hours at the UPDF National Referral Hospital, Mbuya,” Col Magezi said.
According to the statement, the late general was initially admitted to Nakasero Hospital on December 9, 2025, where he received treatment until February 6, 2026. He was later transferred to the UPDF National Referral Hospital in Mbuya for long-term care and management.
Maj Gen Takirwa had a distinguished military career. He previously served as the Second Division Commander based at Makenke Barracks before being appointed Assistant Commander of the UPDF Land Forces. Until his illness, he was serving as the Deputy Commander of the Land Forces, headquartered in Bombo.
Col Magezi conveyed the UPDF’s condolences to the bereaved family, relatives, and friends, adding that details of burial arrangements would be communicated in due course.
Following the illness and subsequent death of Maj Gen Takirwa, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations (SPA/SO), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, appointed Major General Joseph Musoke Ssemwanga as the new Deputy Commander of the UPDF Land Forces.
Maj Gen Ssemwanga was promoted from the rank of Brigadier General in December 2025. Until his appointment, he served as the Contingent Commander of UPDF troops under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
Before his deployment to Somalia in late 2024, Maj Gen Ssemwanga commanded the 1st Infantry Division, headquartered in Kakiri, Wakiso District.
Torch Media Africa
