Uganda has taken another significant step in expanding its role in international peacekeeping after Parliament approved the deployment of a contingent of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) to the Gaza Strip as part of an International Stabilisation Force.
The approval, granted during a plenary sitting chaired by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, paves the way for Uganda’s military to participate in one of the world’s most volatile conflict zones, with lawmakers describing the mission as both a humanitarian intervention and a demonstration of Uganda’s growing credibility in global peace support operations.
The motion was presented by Defence and Veteran Affairs Minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka. Kiwanuka urged legislators to support the deployment, saying Uganda had been invited to contribute to efforts aimed at restoring stability, protecting civilians and supporting humanitarian operations in Gaza.
He said the deployment reflects Uganda’s long-standing commitment to international peace and security under regional and global frameworks.
“The deployment of the UPDF contingent is part of Uganda’s commitment to international peacekeeping and humanitarian protection. Our forces have earned global respect through their professionalism and discipline, and we are confident they will execute this mission with distinction,” Kiryowa Kiwanuka told Parliament.
He noted that the UPDF’s experience in complex peacekeeping theatres such as Somalia and the Democratic Republic of Congo had prepared the force for demanding international assignments.
Uganda Expands International Peacekeeping Footprint
The approval marks another milestone in Uganda’s expanding contribution to international peace operations.
For years, UPDF soldiers have played central roles in stabilisation missions across Africa, particularly under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), where Ugandan troops have been credited with helping degrade terrorist networks and rebuild security institutions. The proposed deployment to Gaza represents one of the military’s most high-profile international assignments outside the African continent.
Government argued that Uganda’s participation would not only strengthen global peace efforts but also reinforce the country’s standing as a dependable contributor to international security.
Masiko: A Mission to Protect Humanity
Leading the debate in support of the motion, UPDF representative Maj. Gen. Henry Masiko described the deployment as a moment of national pride. He rejected suggestions that the mission should be viewed with apprehension, saying Ugandan soldiers were being sent to safeguard humanity rather than participate in offensive military operations.
“It is an honour and national pride for Uganda to deploy a UPDF contingent to protect the Gaza Strip,” Masiko said. “We are not going there to dance; we are going there to confront threats against society and humanity. We should be proud of this. UPDF is well-positioned to deliver lasting peace and stability in Gaza.”
Masiko applauded Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba for strengthening the military’s capacity to undertake increasingly sophisticated international assignments.
“We thank CDF Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba for ensuring UPDF continues to play a meaningful role in international peacekeeping missions,” he added.
He argued that Uganda’s professionalism had earned the confidence of international partners, making the country a preferred contributor to multinational peace support operations.
Opposition Supports Mission but Demands Transparency
Although the Opposition largely backed Uganda’s participation in the mission, lawmakers insisted that Parliament must receive full details of the deployment agreement before troops leave the country. Opposition Chief Whip Paul Mwiru said legislators had a responsibility to ensure that Ugandan soldiers deployed abroad receive adequate welfare, legal protection and operational support.
He urged Government to table the agreement governing the deployment to allow Parliament to scrutinise the terms and conditions under which the troops would serve.
“I urge the Minister to lay on the Table the agreement under which UPDF forces are being deployed to the Gaza Strip to avoid future complaints regarding welfare and other conditions of service,” Mwiru said.
He emphasised that Parliament’s oversight role extends beyond approving troop deployments to ensuring that soldiers operate under clear legal and operational frameworks.
The concerns echoed previous debates surrounding foreign military deployments, where legislators have sought assurances on troop insurance, allowances, command structures and evacuation procedures.
Tayebwa Orders Agreement to be Presented
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, who presided over the sitting, agreed with the Opposition’s request for greater transparency.
While welcoming Parliament’s approval of the mission, Tayebwa directed that once Government concludes the deployment agreement with international partners, it should be presented before Parliament. “The agreement, once concluded, should be laid on the Floor of Parliament,” Tayebwa ruled.
He said the House had an obligation to ensure accountability in all international military engagements involving Uganda. His directive was welcomed by members from both sides of the political divide, who argued that transparency would strengthen public confidence in the deployment.
Uganda’s Reputation at Stake
Several legislators noted that the mission offers Uganda an opportunity to further enhance its international reputation. Ugandan peacekeepers have built a record of professionalism in missions across Africa, often operating in difficult and dangerous environments.
Supporters of the deployment argued that participation in Gaza demonstrates international confidence in the capabilities of the UPDF and reinforces Uganda’s role as a regional security partner.
Lawmakers also observed that international peacekeeping missions provide valuable operational experience for soldiers while strengthening diplomatic ties between Uganda and its international partners.
Humanitarian Mission
Although Gaza remains one of the world’s most contested conflict zones, supporters of the deployment stressed that Uganda’s role would be centred on stabilisation and civilian protection.
Government maintained that the mission is intended to support broader international efforts aimed at restoring order, facilitating humanitarian access and protecting vulnerable populations affected by prolonged conflict.
Officials said UPDF personnel would operate within the mandate of the International Stabilisation Force and in accordance with international humanitarian law.
The deployment comes amid growing global efforts to stabilise Gaza following months of devastating conflict that has displaced millions and destroyed critical infrastructure.
Another Chapter in UPDF’s Peacekeeping Legacy
If implemented, the Gaza deployment will add another chapter to Uganda’s long history of international military engagements.
From Somalia and South Sudan to the Democratic Republic of Congo and other regional security operations, the UPDF has increasingly become one of Africa’s most active contributors to peace support missions.
Government believes the latest deployment reflects international recognition of Uganda’s military professionalism and operational effectiveness.
As preparations begin for the mission, Parliament’s approval clears the legal path for the deployment while also placing Government under obligation to provide legislators with the final agreement governing the operation.
The debate ultimately reflected broad bipartisan support for Uganda’s contribution to international peacekeeping, tempered by calls for transparency, accountability and adequate welfare for the men and women who will serve in one of the world’s most challenging security environments.
Author Profile
- Charles Gazza Kodili is a seasoned journalist with over 20 years of experience in the media industry. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication. He’s currently the Chief Editor at the Investigator.
Charles can also be reached via; Tel: +256 774 108978
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