Uganda’s Parliament on Thursday approved the deployment of troops to Gaza as part of a proposed international stabilization force aimed at supporting security arrangements after the Israel-Hamas war.
The vote makes Uganda one of the first countries to formally signal its willingness to contribute personnel to the International Stabilization Force (ISF), a multinational mission being developed to oversee security and support postwar recovery efforts in Gaza.
The motion, introduced by Defence Minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka, backed President Yoweri Museveni’s decision to deploy Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers for what officials described as a peacekeeping mission.
Kiwanuka told lawmakers that Uganda’s experience in international operations, including its long-running peacekeeping deployment in Somalia, demonstrated the country’s ability to contribute to complex security missions.
“Uganda has the capacity and experience to participate in international peace support operations,” Kiwanuka said during the debate.
Gen. Henry Matsiko welcomed Parliament’s decision, saying the deployment reflected international recognition of Uganda’s military role in maintaining stability.
“I’m very, very proud as Ugandans that Uganda People’s Defence Forces is viewed as the anchor of stability in a sea of turbulence, regionally and now globally,” Matsiko said.
Uganda’s decision comes as efforts continue to establish the ISF under the Board of Peace initiative created by U.S. President Donald Trump to help manage the transition period after the Gaza conflict. The proposed force would be deployed following a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces under a ceasefire arrangement.
The force is expected to be led by U.S. Maj. Gen. Jasper Jeffers and include troops from several countries. Morocco has also expressed willingness to contribute personnel, while Kosovo, Albania and Kazakhstan have indicated interest in joining the mission.
The deployment plan has raised questions among some Ugandan lawmakers, who sought clarity on the cost of the mission and how Uganda’s participation would be funded.
Opposition legislator Enos Asiimwe questioned the government’s plans, asking who would finance the deployment and support Ugandan troops stationed in Gaza.
Despite those concerns, Parliament approved the motion, clearing the way for Uganda to participate in the proposed international effort.
