Kampala, Uganda | NOW THEN DIGITAL — Major General Dennis Asiimwe, the esteemed and longstanding commandant of Uganda Military Engineering College (UMEC), departed from this world. His demise was officially announced by Defence Deputy Spokesperson Col. Deo Akiiki on Saturday, December 24, 2023. Akiiki, expressing the nation’s collective grief, stated, “Generals never die but they fade away.” A poignant tribute to a man who left an indelible mark on the military landscape.
However, the cause of Major General Asiimwe’s passing remained shrouded in mystery as of press time. The Army, in its characteristic stoicism, had not yet disclosed the intricate details of his burial program.
President Yoweri Museveni, on June 15, 2021, elevated then Brig Gen. Asiimwe to the esteemed rank of Major General. At the time of his demise, he stood merely two ranks away from the pinnacle—General.
Meanwhile, within the hallowed halls of Uganda Military Engineering College, Major General Asiimwe’s legacy echoed resoundingly. As the college’s commandant, he wielded his influence with a unique blend of military strategy, engineering prowess, and unparalleled leadership. Under his stewardship, the college burgeoned into a bastion of excellence, shaping the future of military education and training.
Not confined by the college’s boundaries, Major General Asiimwe’s leadership extended far beyond. Actively participating in diverse missions, both on home soil and across borders, he showcased a rare combination of skills and an unwavering dedication to safeguarding Uganda’s sovereignty. His colleagues and superiors accorded him the respect befitting an influential figure within military ranks.
Established in 2009 by Gen. Museveni, UMEC found its home in the defunct Lugazi University premises in Buikwe District, moving to Lugazi cantonment in October 2010. Sharing the cantonment with UPDF Engineers Brigade, School of Communication and Information Technology (SOCIT), and the School of Information Tech and Office Management (SITOM), UMEC epitomized the commitment to advancing engineering, technology, and scientific capabilities within the UPDF.
Moreover, the tributes on the X platform poured in, transcending the digital realm to encapsulate the essence of Major General Asiimwe. Robert Kabayi nostalgically recalled Asiimwe’s benevolence, describing him as “a genuine lover of people, most especially the less privileged and the despised.” Others, like Aden Wasajja and Slim Kabeja, conveyed heartfelt condolences, emphasizing the profound impact Asiimwe had on those who knew him, even from a distance.
In the words of Rose Kyotungire Taremwa, Maj. Gen. Asiimwe was more than a military figure—he was a humble, kind, super-intelligent soul, remembered for his principled stance, humor, and perpetual smile. As the nation mourns the passing of this remarkable leader, may Maj. Gen. Asiimwe find eternal peace.
The UPDF family and indeed the nation woke up to the demise of Maj Gen Dennis Asiimwe
The long serving commandant of Engineer's College Lugazi.
We commiserate with the family. "Generals never die but they fade away" RIP Gen. pic.twitter.com/x7koOGveDg— Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (@MODVA_UPDF) December 24, 2023
Our hearts are saddened by your loss, and our thoughts are with you and the family of Maj Gen Dennis Asiimwe. Rip https://t.co/cIQT73mEwK
— AIDEN (@WassajjaAiden) December 24, 2023
