Uganda: Parliament approves deployment of troops to the international force in Gaza

The proposal was presented at the last minute by the Ugandan Minister of Defense, Kiryowa Kiwanuka, before being adopted at the end of the parliamentary session. This is part of the disarmament agreement with Hamas concluded at the end of July, which provides for the establishment of an international framework to assist in the post-war period in the Gaza Strip.

According to the minister, the United States has officially requested Uganda to join this International Stabilization Force (IFS). Preparatory meetings have reportedly already taken place in Kampala between the Ugandan army command, American officials, and representatives of the IFS.

The envisaged force is to be deployed as part of an initiative led by the Peace Council, an entity reportedly created by Donald Trump, tasked with preparing governance and reconstruction in Gaza after the conflict. Morocco, Kosovo, Albania, and Kazakhstan are already said to be among the countries invited to participate.

Kampala discusses a mission limited to ceasefire and civilian protection

The Ugandan contribution is intended to support the ceasefire, protect civilians grouped in a future “humanitarian zone,” and facilitate the disarmament of Hamas, Kiryowa Kiwanuka explained to lawmakers.

However, the minister did not provide any indication regarding the size of the contingent, its rules of engagement, or the duration of the mission. These elements will need to be clarified before any operation on the ground.

Several lawmakers expressed surprise at the late presentation of the motion and questioned the government about the risks faced by Ugandan soldiers. Kiryowa Kiwanuka assured that the troops would be maintained in a “politically neutral” position.

Present at the Assembly, Major General Henry Masiko Ndarubweine defended the capacity of the Ugandan army to participate in this type of operation. He framed this potential contribution as an extension of the experience gained by Ugandan forces in international peacekeeping missions over the past decades.

The adoption of the motion constitutes a political authorization in principle. It does not yet confirm the actual deployment of Ugandan soldiers to Gaza, whose operational modalities and schedule remain unknown.