The Uganda People’s Defence Forces has confirmed that the Deputy Commander Land Forces, Maj Gen Francis Takirwa, has died after a period of short illness.
A highly decorated officer, Maj Gen Takirwa served Uganda with distinction and held several key command and leadership roles during his military career.
He served in various leadership roles within the military, including a tour of duty in Somalia as part of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces contingent to the African Union Mission in Somalia from 2011 to 2012.
Before his final appointment, Maj Gen Takirwa served as Chief of Education, Sports, and Culture in the UPDF and also previously commanded the 2nd UPDF Division, where he replaced Brigadier Kayanja Muhanga, who proceeded for further studies at the South African National Defence College.
In addition to his military career, Takirwa served as an army representative in the 10th Parliament from 2016 to 2021 and in 2022, he was appointed Acting Deputy Commander of Land Forces where he has been serving until his death.
Meanwhile the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations (SPA/SO), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has promoted Brig Gen Joseph Musoke Ssemwanga to the rank of Major General and appointed him the Deputy Commander of the UPDF Land Forces.
According to an official communication from the Acting Director of Defence Public Information, Col Chris Magezi, the appointment took effect in December 2025 following the illness of the late Major General Francis Takirwa, who passed away on today morning.
Prior to his elevation and new assignment, Maj Gen Ssemwanga served as the Contingent Commander of UPDF troops under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), where he oversaw Ugandan peacekeeping operations and coordination with allied forces.
Before his deployment to Somalia towards the end of 2024, he was the Commander of the 1st Infantry Division, headquartered in Kakiri, Wakiso District, one of the UPDF’s key operational divisions responsible for central region security and strategic military readiness.
Maj Gen Ssemwanga replaces the late Major General Francis Takirwa, who had been serving as Deputy Commander of the UPDF Land Forces until he fell ill and following his passing on today morning and the transition ensures continuity in command within the Land Forces structure during a period of mourning within the UPDF fraternity.
The announcement underscores the UPDF’s commitment to maintaining operational stability and leadership continuity while honoring the service and legacy of the late Major General Takirwa.
