Uganda approves troop deployment to Gaza under post-war plan

Uganda has officially authorized the deployment of its soldiers to the Gaza Strip, marking a significant step in its participation in the International Stabilisation Force (ISF). This deployment is part of a broader disarmament agreement and a post-war initiative spearheaded by the Board of Peace, an organization associated with former U.S. President Donald Trump.

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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.

The Ugandan Parliament passed a motion endorsing President Yoweri Museveni's decision to send the Uganda People’s Defence Forces for a peacekeeping mission in Gaza. General Henry Matsiko expressed pride in Uganda's forces being seen as an "anchor of stability" on a global scale. Morocco, Kosovo, Albania, and Kazakhstan have also indicated their willingness to contribute to the ISF.

The ISF's mandate includes securing a "humanitarian zone" designed to house tens of thousands of vetted Palestinians, allowing them freedom of movement within the area. However, the concept of closed humanitarian zones has raised concerns among humanitarian organizations.

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The matter of deploying our soldiers to a very risky place like Gaza, where Israel strikes every now and again, cannot be just casually passed here.

Despite the parliamentary approval, the deployment was not without dissent. Member of Parliament Karim Masaba voiced concerns about sending soldiers to a high-risk area like Gaza, citing frequent Israeli strikes. Meanwhile, Uganda's army chief, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, President Museveni's son, has consistently shown strong support for Israel, even inaugurating a statue honoring Yoni Netanyahu, the brother of Israel's current Prime Minister.

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Israel is in our blood… We will always stand by our brethren in Israel.