Parliament gives green light for troops to join UN-mandated peacekeeping operation in war-torn enclave
KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda’s Parliament has approved the deployment of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) to Gaza as part of an international stabilization mission, despite concerns from some legislators about the risks involved in sending troops to the conflict-ravaged territory.
The approval, granted during a parliamentary session on Wednesday, authorizes the government to dispatch Ugandan troops to support peacekeeping efforts under United Nations Security Council Resolution 2788 (2025).
Defense Minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka told Parliament that the deployment aligns with Uganda’s constitutional obligations and international commitments, which mandate the country to promote regional and international peace, security, and cooperation.
“The deployment aligns with Uganda’s constitutional obligations and international commitments; some of them mandate Uganda to promote regional and international peace, security and cooperation,” Kiwanuka said.
Strict Operational Mandate
According to the Defense Ministry, the UPDF contingent will operate under strict humanitarian principles and will be required to maintain neutrality, comply fully with international humanitarian law, and protect civilians without taking sides.
The troops will operate solely under the Stabilization Mission’s mandate, officials confirmed, emphasizing that Ugandan forces would not be drawn into partisan military operations.
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Parliamentary Concerns
While the motion ultimately passed, several legislators raised concerns about the procedure and the risks involved in sending troops to Gaza, which has experienced intense Israeli military strikes.
MP Patrick Nsamba voiced his reservations during the debate, questioning the casual manner in which the motion was introduced.
“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. We have to prepare enough,” Nsamba said.
Other lawmakers echoed similar sentiments, calling for comprehensive briefings on the security situation, evacuation plans, and medical support arrangements for the contingent.
Regional Peacekeeping Role
Uganda has a long history of contributing to international peacekeeping missions across Africa and beyond. The country has previously deployed troops to Somalia under the African Union Mission, as well as to other conflict zones.
The Gaza deployment marks a significant expansion of Uganda’s international peacekeeping footprint, placing its forces in one of the world’s most volatile and complex conflict environments.
The government has not yet disclosed the exact size of the contingent or the timeline for deployment, stating that operational details would be released at an appropriate time.
