Hundreds of mourners gathered at Bugarama-Sayuni in Rutooma ward, Bwizibwera-Rutooma Town Council, to pay last respects to the late Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) Deputy Commander Land Forces, Maj Gen Francis Takirwa.
The 60-year-old general died on February 7 at the national Military Referral Hospital in Mbuya Barracks, Kampala.
At his funeral, late Takirwa was eulogized for his selflessness and service to the nation. West Ankole Diocese Bishop and his cousin, Rt Rev Johnson Twinomujuni, said he “lived a simple life who committed himself to service.”
His niece, veteran activist Miria Matembe, said the deceased, known as Taki, “upheld the legacy of the family’s integrity, courage, working with excellence, honesty and humility.”
Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, in a message read by his deputy Lt Gen Sam Okiding, described Takirwa as “humble, loving but most important he knew how to manage risk.”
State Minister for Internal Affairs, Gen David Muhoozi, in a message read by Permanent Secretary Lt Gen Joseph Musanyufu, said Takirwa “was a giant in many aspects, a good and fine human being, with a large heart, selfless, amiable, respectable, and dependable both in the army and outside, a courageous and distinguished commander.”
The General’s children expressed frustration over being denied access to him while in hospital
According to a medical report read at his burial by Lt Dr Elias Byamukama, one of the UPDF medical officers, the cause of Takirwa’s death was complications from hypertension and diabetes affecting multiple organs and resulting in a stroke.
Born in 1965 in Sayuni, Butagasi, Takirwa is survived by his widow Bridget Ahumuza and five children.
He joined the army in 1985 and held leadership roles including commander of the Presidential Protection Unit, Chief of Medical Services, Chief of Operations, and Deputy Commander Land Forces. He attended military courses in Uganda, Tanzania, China, Egypt, and South Africa.