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🇺🇬 Uganda /Elections & Politics

Uganda Parliament Approves UPDF Deployment to Gaza for Peace Mission Amidst Heated Debate

From AllAfrica Uganda · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Approved/passed
  • Uganda's Parliament approved the deployment of troops to the Gaza Strip for a peace mission after a divided debate.
  • The deployment, requested by the U.S., aims to support an International Stabilisation Force following the October 2023 conflict.
  • Opposition legislators raised procedural objections, but the government argued the mission aligns with Uganda's foreign policy and peacekeeping experience.

Ugandan lawmakers have approved the deployment of troops from the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) to the Gaza Strip for a peace mission, following a contentious parliamentary debate. The motion, introduced unexpectedly by the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Kiryowa Kiwanuka, faced significant procedural objections from opposition members who felt blindsided.

The deployment is authorized under the UPDF Act and the Constitution, which allow for presidential deployment of troops for peace-support operations with parliamentary consent. Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa acknowledged an administrative oversight in the motion's omission from the day's agenda but allowed the debate to proceed, prioritizing government business.

The minister did his part by submitting the motion in time. The omission was on my side. Parliament's duty now is to debate and decide, either approve or reject it.

— Thomas TayebwaThe Deputy Speaker ruled that the parliamentary debate on troop deployment should proceed despite an administrative oversight.

Minister Kiwanuka presented the mission as a contribution to an International Stabilisation Force, established after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack and Israel's subsequent military response. He cited UN Security Council Resolution 2803 (2025) as a basis for the mission. The minister revealed that U.S. President Donald Trump had formally requested Uganda's participation in July 2026, with planning meetings already underway involving Ugandan commanders, U.S. Embassy officials, and international stabilization force representatives.

Kiwanuka defended the deployment as consistent with Uganda's long-standing commitment to international peace operations, highlighting the UPDF's successful service in Somalia, South Sudan, the Central African Republic, and various UN missions. He stated the troops would support ceasefire implementation, protect civilians, and aid disarmament efforts.

Uganda has built a strong professional force that has successfully served in Somalia, South Sudan, the Central African Republic and several United Nations peacekeeping missions. Our participation will support ceasefire implementation, protect civilians, facilitate disarmament and contribute to lon

— Kiryowa KiwanukaThe Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs argued for the deployment, citing Uganda's peacekeeping experience.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by AllAfrica Uganda in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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