By Aggrey Twesigye
Hundreds of mourners, including senior Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) officers, on Thursday gathered at Bugarama–Sayuni village in Rutooma Ward, Bwizibweera–Rutooma Town Council, Mbarara District, to bid farewell to the late Maj. Gen. Francis Takirwa, the Deputy Commander of Land Forces.
Maj. Gen. Takirwa, 60, died on Saturday, February 7, at the UPDF National Referral Hospital in Mbuya after complications related to diabetes and hypertension, which reportedly resulted in a stroke.
During the emotional send-off, Takirwa’s children, led by Benjamin Mugumya, expressed frustration with authorities at the UPDF National Referral Hospital, alleging they were denied access to their father during his illness. They said they last saw him on December 12, 2025, while he was in the Intensive Care Unit, and were later informed they would only be allowed to see him again after the general elections.
Despite their concerns, the children described their father as a loving family man who deeply cared for his family and extended kindness to everyone around him.
Former Minister for Ethics and Integrity, Miria Matembe, eulogized the late general as a leader guided not by material wealth but by a people-centered commitment to serving God and the citizens of Uganda.
The Bishop of West Ankole Diocese, Johnson Twinomujuni, described Maj. Gen. Takirwa as a selfless man who always prioritized the well-being of others.
In a condolence message delivered by AIGP David Wasswa Ssengendo, Director of Counter Terrorism at the Uganda Police Force, Inspector General of Police Abbas Byakagaba hailed Takirwa as a distinguished patriot and gallant soldier who dedicated more than three decades to Uganda’s security.
Similarly, in a message delivered by Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding, the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba described the late general, who served in the army for nearly four decades, as a natural leader who consistently demonstrated exemplary performance and unwavering commitment to duty.
In another condolence message delivered by Lt. Gen. Joseph Musanyufu, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Minister of Internal Affairs (Rtd), Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire, described Takirwa as a man who lived a purposeful and positive life and hailed him as one of Uganda’s distinguished warriors.
Maj. Gen. Francis Takirwa is survived by his widow, Bridgette Ahumuza Takirwa, and five children.
