KAMPALA—Uganda's parliament has approved the potential deployment of the Uganda People's Defence Forces to the Gaza Strip as part of a proposed multinational security mission under a U.S.-backed ceasefire framework, marking the country's first formal public endorsement of participation in the initiative.
Lawmakers approved the motion after Defence Minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka told parliament that U.S. President Donald Trump, through emissaries, had asked President Yoweri Museveni in July to consider contributing Ugandan troops to an International Stabilization Force envisioned for Gaza. Kiwanuka said the Ugandan president was prepared to provide a military contingent if the mission proceeds.
The parliamentary vote authorizes the possibility of deployment but does not immediately send troops. The proposed force remains contingent on the implementation of a broader ceasefire and political framework for Gaza, and no deployment timetable has been announced.
During the parliamentary debate, several legislators questioned the legal basis and operational framework for any overseas mission. Kiwanuka said a status of forces agreement governing the deployment would be concluded after parliament's approval, addressing the legal arrangements for Ugandan personnel serving in Gaza.
Some opposition lawmakers also raised diplomatic concerns over Uganda's involvement, questioning how participation could affect the country's international relationships and seeking clarification on the role Ugandan troops would play if deployed.
The proposed stabilization force forms part of a wider peace plan announced following a ceasefire agreement intended to end the conflict in Gaza. Under the framework, humanitarian assistance would increase, civilian administration would be transferred to Palestinian technocrats, Hamas would disarm, and Israeli forces would withdraw in phases before an international force assumes security responsibilities in areas no longer under Israeli control. However, implementation of the plan has stalled, and the proposed civilian administration has yet to take up its role inside Gaza.
Uganda has previously contributed troops to regional and international security operations, including missions in Somalia, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Government officials cited that experience in arguing the country has the capability to participate in another multinational operation if requested.
Much of Gaza remains heavily damaged after nearly two years of war triggered by the Hamas-led attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. Although Uganda's parliament has now granted approval for a potential deployment, officials said any troop contribution will depend on the international mission being formally established and subsequent operational arrangements being finalized.
