By Spy Uganda
Kampala: The Deputy Commander of Uganda Peoples Defense Forces (UPDF) Air Force, Brig Gen Stephen Kiggundu, has died following an accident in his bathroom
This has been confirmed by Defense and Military in an obituary announced on Easter Sunday evening.
Without providing details about his death, or how the accident occurred, UPDF revealed that Gen Kiggundu died in the bathroom at his residence in Entebbe.
“Brig Gen Stephen Kiggundu was well all day until the evening of today when he met his death in his bathroom,” reads part of the obituary.
”The UPDF fraternity and Uganda Peoples’ Defence Air force will miss Brigadier General Kigundu at this time when his services were most needed to continue strengthening our Air force capabilities.” the obituary added
Brigadier General Stephen Kiggundu was born on 3 April 1977 at Bugonga. He joined the UPDF on 27 July 1999 at Hoima.He went on to train as a paratrooper in Israeli.
He received skills on Pilot Air Force management and Operations, Pilot Combat Trainer and Junior Command Tactics.
Kiggundu also attended the conversion pilots course at Air Command Staff College in the United States.
He previously served as Squad commander of Uganda’s fighter jets.
In November 2022, the late Kiggundu, who was previously the commander at the Soroti Air Force wing, was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General. His new role as the deputy chief of the UPDF Air Force was a significant advancement in his military career.
This promotion coincided with a reshuffle within the military hierarchy where Lt Gen Charles Lutaaya was replaced by Maj Gen Charles Okidi, who, upon his appointment, was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General, assuming the position of Air Force chief.
Following his tenure as Air Force chief, Lt Gen Charles Lutaaya transitioned into the role of senior presidential advisor, specifically focusing on Air Forces-related matters.
The late Kiggundu, alongside his superior Gen Okidi, assumed leadership of the defense air force during a period marked by resource challenges and the unfortunate loss of experienced soldiers in aviation accidents.
However, under their stewardship, there was a notable decrease in the frequency of such incidents, indicating improvements in safety and operational efficiency within the national defense aviation sector.
