UPDF Mourns: Deputy Land Forces Commander Maj Gen Francis Takirwa Dead

Maj Gen Francis Takirwa, the Deputy Commander of Land Forces in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), has passed away.

He had a distinguished career, serving in various key roles, including as the commanding officer of the Second Division of the UPDF in Mbarara, Western Region.

Gen Takirwa was known for his strategic acumen and dedication to national security. He had a long history of service in the Ugandan military, dating back to 1989, and had held various leadership roles, including a tour in Somalia as part of the UPDF contingent to AMISOM from 2011 to 2012.

Before his appointment as Deputy Commander Land Forces, he served as the Chief of Education, Sports, and Culture in the UPDF.

Maj Gen Takirwa’s 35-year military career was marked by leadership, bravery, and dedication. He served in various capacities, including commanding officer, Chief of Education, and Deputy Commander Land Forces, leaving a lasting impact on Uganda’s military and security landscape.

He was born on November 7, 1965, in Mbarara District and attended Mbarara Junior School for his primary education, followed by 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 Defence College.