Uganda Approves Deployment of Soldiers to Gaza as Part of Disarmament Plan

Uganda's parliament has approved the deployment of its soldiers to the Gaza Strip, making it part of an International Stabilization Force (ISF). This decision, made on Thursday, is part of a disarmament agreement reached in late July and aims to contribute to preparing Gaza for the period after the current conflict.

The international force is an initiative of the Board of Peace, an organization backed by U.S. President Donald Trump. Its mandate includes ensuring security within a designated humanitarian zone intended to house tens of thousands of screened Palestinians, who would have freedom of movement in and out of the area. However, the concept of closed humanitarian zones has raised concerns among humanitarian organizations.

General Henry Matsiko welcomed the decision, expressing pride that Uganda's defense forces are seen as an anchor for stability. He stated to parliament, "I am, as a Ugandan, very, very proud that Uganda's defense forces are seen as an anchor for stability in a sea of unrest – regionally and now also globally."

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I am, as a Ugandan, very, very proud that Uganda's defense forces are seen as an anchor for stability in a sea of unrest – regionally and now also globally.

Despite the parliamentary approval, the decision was not without dissent. Member of Parliament Karim Masaba voiced concerns, stating, "Sending our soldiers to such a risky place as Gaza, where Israel carries out attacks again and again, cannot simply be passed without further consideration here."

This development comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu previously stated that Israel had not approved the latest Gaza plan, even after receiving assurances that an Israeli withdrawal would only occur after the militant group Hamas disarmed.

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Sending our soldiers to such a risky place as Gaza, where Israel carries out attacks again and again, cannot simply be passed without further consideration here.