MPs approve deployment to conflict-hit territory, but demand greater scrutiny, troop welfare guarantees and reports on previous peacekeeping missions
KAMPALA — Parliament has cleared the deployment of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) to the Gaza Strip under a proposed international stabilisation mission aimed at restoring peace, protecting civilians and facilitating humanitarian assistance in the conflict-hit territory.
The decision was reached during Thursday’s plenary sitting chaired by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa after Defence and Veteran Affairs Minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka tabled a government motion seeking parliamentary approval for the deployment.
The approval was made in accordance with the Constitution and the UPDF Act, which regulate the deployment of Uganda’s armed forces outside the country.
Minister Kiryowa told MPs that Uganda’s participation in the proposed mission was in line with the country’s constitutional responsibility to promote regional and international peace, security and cooperation.
He said the deployment would also enable Uganda to fulfil its international obligations and contribute to efforts to restore stability in the Middle East.
‘Troops will remain neutral’
The minister assured Parliament that the Ugandan contingent would operate under strict humanitarian principles and remain neutral while executing its mandate.
He said the troops would be expected to protect civilians, respect international humanitarian law and operate strictly within the mandate of the international stabilisation mission established following United Nations Security Council Resolution 2788 (2025).
Kiryowa argued that Uganda’s participation would contribute to peace and stability in the Middle East while further strengthening the country’s reputation as a reliable contributor to international peacekeeping operations.
But the approval was not without controversy.
Several MPs questioned the speed and manner in which the motion was brought before Parliament, arguing that lawmakers needed more time to scrutinise the proposal and assess the risks associated with sending Ugandan troops into one of the world’s most dangerous conflict zones.
Opposition protests procedure
Chief Opposition Whip Paul Mwiru, representing the Leader of the Opposition, said Parliament should have been given sufficient time to examine the proposal before taking a decision.
Mr Mwiru argued that MPs needed reports on Uganda’s previous and ongoing peacekeeping deployments to establish what lessons could be drawn before committing troops to another complex mission.
Deputy Speaker Tayebwa acknowledged that the motion had been submitted earlier but was inadvertently omitted from the Order Paper.
He said the matter had to be considered urgently because decisions concerning the international mission were expected over the weekend.
MPs warn of Gaza risks
Manjiya County MP John Baptist Nambeshe supported Uganda’s continued involvement in peacekeeping but urged the government to first provide Parliament with performance reports on deployments in the Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia and South Sudan.
He also warned that Gaza would present unique challenges to Ugandan troops, particularly because of the difficulty of distinguishing combatants from civilians in an urban warfare environment.
Kassanda County North MP Patrick Nsamba urged Parliament to exercise caution, describing the deployment as a “matter of life and death” because of the volatile security situation in Gaza.
Kalungu West MP Joseph Ssewungu criticised the manner in which the motion was introduced, saying the Opposition had been “ambushed”.
Mr Ssewungu said MPs should have been given details about the welfare of the troops, benefits attached to the mission and arrangements to support soldiers’ families before Parliament approved the deployment.
UPDF says mission will strengthen professionalism
Defending Uganda’s participation, UPDF representative Maj. Gen. Henry Masiko urged Ugandans to take pride in the force’s growing international reputation.
He said the UPDF had increasingly become an anchor of stability in regional and international peace operations.
Kashari South MP John Bosco Tumusiime also backed the deployment, arguing that international missions expose Ugandan soldiers to different operational environments and enhance their professionalism and experience.
Another UPDF representative, Maj. Gen. David Gonyi, said Uganda had both a moral and diplomatic responsibility to support international efforts aimed at restoring peace and protecting civilians in Gaza.
Government backs international role
Seconding the motion, Minister of State for Public Service Lydia Wanyoto said Uganda had earned international recognition through its contribution to peace and security.
She argued that participation in the proposed Gaza mission was consistent with Uganda’s long-standing role in international peacekeeping.
The government maintains that Uganda’s involvement would allow the country to contribute to humanitarian and stabilisation efforts while strengthening its position in international peace and security initiatives.
However, the concerns raised during the debate have placed renewed attention on the need for close parliamentary oversight, particularly regarding the mandate of the mission, the safety and welfare of Ugandan troops and the support provided to their families.
With Parliament having approved the motion, attention now shifts to the implementation of the proposed deployment and the operational framework under which Ugandan troops would serve in Gaza.
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