NEWS- The long serving commandant of Uganda Military Engineering College (UMEC), Major General Dennis Asiimwe has passed away.
On Saturday December 24, 2023, Defence Deputy Spokesperson Col. Deo Akiiki announced Maj. Gen. Asiimwe’s death stressing that “The Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) family and indeed the nation woke up to the demise of Maj. Gen. Asiimwe, the long serving commandant of Engineer’s College Lugazi. We commiserate with the family. “Generals never die but they fade away.” Rest in Peace General.”
By press time, the cause of Major General Asiimwe’s death had not yet been revealed and the Army had also not issued out his detailed burial programme.
On June 15, 2021, President Yoweri Museveni promoted then Brig Gen. Asiimwe to the rank of Major General and by the time of his death, he was two ranks away from the rank of General.
According to the UPDF, Major General Asiimwe played a pivotal role in shaping the Uganda Military Engineering College. As its commandant, he led with distinction, demonstrating his deep knowledge of military strategy, engineering, and leadership. Under his guidance, the college witnessed remarkable growth and development, becoming a center of excellence for military education and training.
The army noted that Major General Asiimwe’s leadership extended beyond the college’s boundaries. He actively participated in numerous missions and operations, both nationally and internationally, showcasing his exceptional skills and dedication to safeguarding Uganda’s sovereignty. His expertise and invaluable contributions earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues and superiors, making him an influential figure within the military ranks.
UMEC was commissioned by the Commander-in-Chief of Uganda Armed Forces, Gen. Museveni, on January 29 2009 at Magamaga in Mayuge District. When the Ministry of Defence purchased the defunct Lugazi University premises in Buikwe District, a section of the facility was allotted to UMEC and in October 2010 the college relocated to Lugazi cantonment. UMEC shares the Lugazi cantonment with UPDF Engineers Brigade, School of Communication and Information Technology (SOCIT) and the School of Information Tech and Office Management (SITOM).
Several people mourned Maj. Gen. Asiimwe on the X platform (former Twitter) with Robert Kabayi saying, “a genuine lover of people most especially the less privileged and the despised. He made merry and ;fed many in his Nalusuga home. ;He represented the old Image of UPDF — the people’s Army. General your ;dearly loved and missed.”
Aden Wasajja said, “Our hearts are saddened by your loss, and our thoughts are with you and the family of Maj Gen Asiimwe.”
Slim Kabeja said, “I never met him in person but spoke over the phone a few times. He was a very polite person, many times even calling you back to offer a contact person with whatever help it is you wanted. ; Rest well Maj Gen. Asiimwe.”
Rose Kyotungire Taremwa said, “Maj Gen Asiimwe was a humble, kind, super intelligent, principled and also had humor and always wore a smile. He will always be fondly remembered for his service to the people and the nation. May the Lord rest his soul in eternal peace.”
