Parliament has given a greenlight to the deployment of UPDF troops to Gaza in Palestine.
The Ugandan troops will be deployed under the International Stabilization Force (ISF) as a multinational peacekeeping mission tied to the U.S.-backed Gaza peace plan.
The Minister for Defence, Kiryowa Kiwanuka on Thursday presented the motion before parliament, making a case for the UPDF deployment.
“Our participation will contribute to preventing further conflicts in the region and to broader international security,” Kiwanuka said.
“On fighting international terrorism, Uganda’s participation will help in the elimination of terrorist cells that have used the Gaza Strip as a base of operations due to the ongoing conflict.”
He said Uganda’s contribution to an International Stabilisation Force established under United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803 (2025).
The minister told parliament that in July 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump, through emissaries, formally requested President Museveni to contribute a UPDF contingent and that planning meetings had already taken place involving senior UPDF commanders, U.S. Embassy officials in Kampala, and representatives of the proposed force.
“Uganda has built a strong professional force that has successfully served in Somalia, South Sudan, the Central African Republic and several United Nations peacekeeping missions. Our participation will support ceasefire implementation, protect civilians, facilitate disarmament and contribute to long-term peace and stability,” Kiwanuka said.
He assured legislators that Ugandan troops would operate under clear rules of engagement, remain politically neutral, and fully comply with international humanitarian law.
Opposition
Manjiya County MP John Baptist Nambeshe demanded comprehensive evaluations of ongoing UPDF operations in Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan and the Central African Republic before approving another mission.
“This is not like the other theatres. Gaza is an active war zone where distinguishing between combatants and civilians is extremely difficult. Urban warfare and constant attacks make the risks much higher,” he warned.
The motion was later passed by parliament chaired by deputy speaker, Thomas Tayebwa to pave way for deployment of the Ugandan troops to Gaza.
Commanded by American Maj. Gen. Jasper Jeffers, the proposed 20,000-strong force aims to oversee local security, assist in disarming Hamas, and protect civilians in Gaza.
