KAMPALA — Parliament has approved a government motion authorising the deployment of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) to the Gaza Strip as part of an international stabilisation force, paving the way for Ugandan troops to join a multinational peace mission aimed at restoring stability and supporting humanitarian efforts in the war-torn territory.
The motion, tabled by the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Jacob Oboth-Oboth Kiryowa Kiwanuka, was passed during Thursday’s plenary sitting chaired by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa.
Presenting the motion, Kiryowa said Uganda had received an invitation from the United States to contribute troops to the international stabilisation force, citing the country’s strong track record in regional and international peace support operations.
“Uganda has a strong army with capable organisational structures which have enabled Uganda to successfully support peace operations in Somalia, South Sudan, the Central African Republic and various United Nations peacekeeping missions,” Kiryowa told Parliament.
He said Uganda’s participation would create an opportunity for lasting peace in Gaza.
“Uganda’s participation will guarantee an ample opportunity for the antagonising sides to plan for ushering in peace in the Gaza Strip,” he said.
The minister added that the deployment would contribute to regional and global security.
“The deployment of UPDF soldiers to protect the Gaza Strip will contribute to the elimination of terrorist cells that have greatly contributed to international terrorism,” Kiryowa said.
According to the motion, the deployment is consistent with Uganda’s constitutional obligation to promote regional and international peace, security and cooperation under the National Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy.
The government also said the mission would operate strictly under humanitarian principles.
“The UPDF contingent will remain neutral, comply with international humanitarian law, protect civilians without taking sides in political disputes, and operate solely under the mandate of the Stabilisation Mission,” the motion states.
The deployment will be undertaken under the proposed multinational stabilisation mission established following United Nations Security Council Resolution 2788 (2025).
However, the motion generated debate in Parliament, with several opposition legislators questioning both the timing of the proposal and the need for greater parliamentary oversight of Uganda’s growing peacekeeping commitments.
Chief Opposition Whip Paul Mwiru, speaking on behalf of the Leader of the Opposition, urged Parliament to defer consideration of the motion to allow members sufficient time to study it.
“I would only wonder whether it is not procedurally right that you adjourn—give us some time to address our minds to the motion and also use our technical officers to review the previous deployments we have made,” Mwiru said.
Deputy Speaker Tayebwa acknowledged that the Defence minister had submitted the motion earlier but admitted it had been omitted from the Order Paper due to an oversight.
“The Minister for Defence brought this motion much earlier; he did his part. So, it was an oversight on my side for not putting it on the Order Paper,” Tayebwa said.
He explained that the matter required urgent consideration because decisions regarding the international mission were expected over the weekend.
Manjiya County MP John Baptist Nambeshe backed Uganda’s participation in peacekeeping operations but said Parliament first needed a report on the performance of existing UPDF missions.
“We need to know whether we are doing well before we release our troops to the risky Gaza Strip,” Nambeshe said.
He warned that Gaza presented a far more complex operational environment than previous deployments.
“It is urban warfare and it becomes very difficult to distinguish between combatants and civilians,” he added.
Kassanda County North MP Patrick Nsamba urged Parliament not to rush what he described as a life-and-death decision.
“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.
Kalungu County West MP Joseph Ssewungu, who serves as the Shadow Minister for Defence, declined to support the motion, saying it had been introduced without giving the Opposition adequate time to prepare.
“But your packaging sometimes is a problem. I am not supporting your motion because it is an ambush on us,” Ssewungu said.
He argued that Parliament should have first received information on the welfare of the troops, the expected benefits of the mission and the support available to soldiers’ families before authorising the deployment.
Health Minister Dr. Chris Baryomunsi criticised Ssewungu’s position, accusing him of avoiding debate on what he described as a straightforward motion.
Government and UPDF representatives defended the deployment, saying Uganda had earned global recognition for its professionalism in peace support operations.
UPDF representative Maj. Gen. Henry Masiko said Ugandans should take pride in the confidence placed in the national army.
“You should be very, very proud as Ugandans that the Uganda People’s Defence Forces is viewed as the anchor of stability in a sea of turbulence, regionally and now globally,” Masiko said.
He added that the mission was not ceremonial.
“We are not going there to dance; we are going there to confront threats against society and humanity. We should be proud of this,” he said.
Kashari South MP John Bosco Tumusiime argued that participation in international peace missions enhanced the professionalism and operational experience of the UPDF.
“By having this opportunity, this national force deployed outside, they are actually acquiring more skills,” Tumusiime said.
UPDF representative Maj. Gen. David Gonyi said Uganda had both a humanitarian and diplomatic obligation to support the mission.
“We cannot be in this House and want to live in a peaceful country, yet fail to support the deployment of the UPDF to help members of the community that live in the Gaza Strip to have at least some semblance of peace,” Gonyi said.
Seconding the motion, Minister of State for Public Service Lydia Wanyoto said Uganda had built an international reputation as a reliable contributor to global peace and security and should continue playing its role in international stabilisation efforts.
With Parliament’s approval secured, the UPDF is now expected to join the proposed multinational stabilisation force tasked with protecting civilians, supporting humanitarian operations and helping create conditions for long-term peace in the Gaza Strip.
