By Agency Report
Uganda’s parliament has approved the possible deployment of the country’s troops to the Gaza Strip as part of a proposed multinational security mission contained in U.S. President Donald Trump’s ceasefire initiative for the war-ravaged enclave.
The approval, granted on Thursday, authorises the deployment of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) if the international stabilisation force outlined in the proposal is eventually established.
While addressing lawmakers before the vote, Defence Minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka disclosed that President Donald Trump, through his representatives, reached out to President Yoweri Museveni in July to seek Uganda’s participation in the proposed mission.
An Israeli official had indicated last month that personnel from “friendly countries,” including Uganda, could form part of the planned force. Thursday’s parliamentary approval marked Uganda’s first public confirmation that it is willing to participate in such an operation.
Trump unveiled the peace proposal after a ceasefire agreement was reached in October. The initiative calls for increased humanitarian assistance to Gaza, governance by Palestinian technocrats, the disarmament of Hamas and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the territory.
However, implementation of the plan has remained stalled, with the proposed governing body—the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza—yet to assume control inside the enclave.
The proposal also envisages the deployment of an International Stabilization Force in areas outside Israeli control, although no timeline has been announced for its establishment.
Uganda has previously contributed troops to international peacekeeping and enforcement missions and currently maintains military contingents in countries including Somalia, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“Following the invitation by His Excellency Donald Trump … the President of the Republic of Uganda, is ready to deploy in the Gaza Strip the desired Uganda People’s Defense Forces contingent,” Kiwanuka told lawmakers.
During deliberations, several legislators sought clarification on the legal framework that would regulate the deployment. In response, Kiwanuka said a status of forces agreement would be concluded after parliament’s approval.
Gaza has suffered widespread devastation following nearly two years of war that began after the Hamas-led attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023.
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