The deployment forms part of a broader plan to establish a multinational peacekeeping force for Gaza under the supervision of the “Board of Peace,” a body established by U.S. President Donald Trump.
The proposal, which was tabled by Uganda’s Minister of Defence, marks the first official indication that Uganda is prepared to contribute troops to the international peacekeeping mission in Gaza. Morocco has also agreed to provide troops for the operation.
The decision immediately drew criticism from some opposition lawmakers. MP Hassan Kirumira questioned the move, warning that deploying Ugandan troops could create “diplomatic concerns.”
Speaking in Parliament, Kirumira argued that supporters of the deployment must clearly explain which side Uganda’s forces would be perceived to support in the conflict.
Presenting the proposal to lawmakers, Defence Minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka highlighted the Uganda People’s Defence Forces’ experience in international peacekeeping operations, including previous deployments to Somalia.
The force to be deployed to Gaza will be commanded by U.S. Major General Jasper Jeffers, who said in May that the planned 20,000-member multinational force would work to promote long-term peace and stability in the territory.
In late July, Israel approved the deployment of multinational peacekeeping forces to Gaza, including troops that could come from Uganda.
The conflict escalated after Hamas launched attacks on Israel, killing more than 1,200 people and taking hostages. Israel subsequently launched a large-scale military campaign in Gaza, where more than 73,000 people have been killed, according to the figures cited in the report.
