Uganda has received parliamentary approval to send troops to Gaza as part of an international peacekeeping force envisioned to stabilize the territory in the aftermath of the recent Israel-Hamas conflict. The authorization, granted Thursday, marks Uganda’s first public commitment to participate in the International Stabilization Force, a mission proposed by a U.S. advisory board led by former President Donald Trump.
The motion was introduced by Defense Minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka, who emphasized Uganda’s experience in peacekeeping operations, including deployments in Somalia, as a key factor supporting the country’s readiness to contribute to the Gaza mission. Morocco has also pledged to provide troops for the initiative.
The peacekeeping force is intended to be a 20,000-strong contingent under the command of American Major General Jasper Jeffers. It is tasked with ensuring lasting stability and security in Gaza following a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces, as outlined in a broader ceasefire agreement brokered between Israel and Hamas last year.
Under the deal announced by Trump last week, Hamas would disarm and Israel would halt its military operations and gradually withdraw from Gaza. The agreement aims to establish a cessation of hostilities, with Israel stopping its military incursions and Hamas and affiliated groups ceasing militant actions. The deployment of the international force is scheduled to occur after Israeli troops complete their withdrawal from the area.
However, not all Ugandan lawmakers expressed support for the deployment. Opposition figures, including Hassan Kirumira, voiced concerns about the country’s diplomatic position given its membership in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. Kirumira questioned the purpose of Uganda’s involvement, asking, “On which side is our army going to fight?” and warning that the decision could pose “diplomatic concerns.”
Meanwhile, Israel has expressed reservations about the peacekeeping plan, citing “serious security concerns” shared with the United States following the publication of the agreement’s terms. Since the ceasefire was reached in October, Israeli military actions have resulted in the deaths of 1,250 people, underscoring continuing tensions despite the formal cessation of major hostilities.
The international stabilization effort represents a significant step toward securing Gaza, though uncertainties remain regarding its implementation and the reactions of regional actors involved in the complex conflict.