Uganda Parliament approves UPDF deployment to Gaza

[Archival Sense]

Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba supervises the troops. (Courtesy Photo)

Uganda’s Parliament has approved the deployment of a UPDF contingent to the Gaza Strip as part of an International Stabilization Force (ISF) following an invitation from the United States.

The motion, approved on Thursday during a plenary sitting chaired by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, authorises Uganda’s participation in an international effort aimed at supporting ceasefire arrangements, protecting civilians and addressing security threats in the conflict-affected region.

Defence and Veteran Affairs Minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka told MPs that the deployment is backed by Uganda’s history of participating in international peacekeeping missions, including operations in Somalia, South Sudan, the Central African Republic and United Nations missions.

“Uganda has a strong army with capable organisation structures which have enabled Uganda to successfully support peace operations, notably the African Mission in Somalia-now African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM)-South Sudan, Central African Republic, and various United Nations peacekeeping missions,”

The minister said the mission aligns with UN Security Council Resolution 2803 (2025) and aims to support a transitional administration known as the Board of Peace (BoP) while working with international partners.

He said Uganda’s role would focus on preventing further conflict, supporting peace efforts and helping eliminate terrorist cells in the region.

The government assured Parliament that UPDF troops would operate under international law, remain neutral and protect civilians without taking sides in political disputes.

“Throughout its period of deployment, the UPDF will remain neutral, comply with International Humanitarian Law, protect civilians without taking sides in political disputes, and operate under clearly defined rules of engagement,”

The decision received support from some lawmakers, with UPDF representative Maj. Gen. Henry Masiko describing the deployment as a responsibility Uganda should take pride in.

“We are not going there to dance; we are going there to confront threats against society and humanity. We should be proud of this,”

However, opposition MPs raised concerns about the process, transparency and the welfare of soldiers.

(Courtesy Photo)

Shadow Defence Minister Joseph Ssewungu criticised the timing of the motion, describing it as an “ambush” and calling for more time to study the details.

National Unity Platform acting president and Manjiya County MP John Baptist Nambeshe said Parliament should first review Uganda’s previous military deployments before sending troops to Gaza.

“We need to know whether we are doing well before we release our troops to the risky Gaza Strip,”

Other MPs focused on the welfare and payment of deployed soldiers, with Tochi County MP Peter Okot warning against delays in soldiers receiving their benefits.

Bunyole West MP James Waluswaka also cautioned against any interference with soldiers’ allowances.

Despite the concerns, Parliament approved the motion under Section 38 of the UPDF Act, allowing preparations for deployment to begin.

Uganda currently has major peacekeeping commitments in Somalia under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and the United Nations Guard Unit (UNGU), while also supporting security operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo and peace initiatives in South Sudan.