Parliament has approved a government motion authorising the deployment of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) to the Gaza Strip as part of a proposed international stabilisation mission aimed at restoring peace and facilitating humanitarian assistance in the conflict-hit territory.
The motion, tabled by the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Jacob Oboth-Oboth Kiryowa Kiwanuka, was approved during Thursday’s plenary sitting chaired by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, in accordance with the Constitution and the UPDF Act.
Presenting the motion, Kiryowa said the deployment aligns with Uganda’s constitutional mandate to promote regional and international peace, security and cooperation, while also fulfilling the country’s international commitments.
He emphasised that the UPDF contingent would operate under strict humanitarian principles, remaining neutral, protecting civilians, complying with international humanitarian law and carrying out its duties solely under the mandate of the international stabilisation mission established following United Nations Security Council Resolution 2788 (2025).
The minister said Uganda’s participation would not only contribute to peace and stability in the Middle East but also strengthen the country’s standing as a reliable contributor to international peacekeeping efforts.
Despite ultimately approving the deployment, several legislators raised concerns over the manner in which the motion was introduced and called for greater parliamentary oversight of Uganda’s growing peacekeeping engagements.
Chief Opposition Whip Paul Mwiru, representing the Leader of the Opposition, argued that MPs needed more time to scrutinise the proposal and assess reports from previous peacekeeping missions before making a decision.
Deputy Speaker Tayebwa acknowledged that the motion had been submitted earlier but was inadvertently omitted from the Order Paper, explaining that the matter required urgent consideration because decisions regarding the international mission were expected over the weekend.
Manjiya County MP John Baptist Nambeshe supported Uganda’s continued participation in peacekeeping operations but urged Parliament to first receive performance reports on ongoing deployments in the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia and South Sudan. He also cautioned that Gaza presents unique operational challenges due to the difficulty of distinguishing between combatants and civilians in an urban warfare environment.
Kassanda County North MP Patrick Nsamba warned against rushing approval for what he described as “a matter of life and death,” citing the volatile security situation in Gaza.
Kalungu West MP Joseph Ssewungu criticised the process, saying the Opposition had been ambushed and should have been provided with details on troop welfare, mission benefits and support arrangements for soldiers’ families before Parliament voted.
Defending the deployment, UPDF representative Maj. Gen. Henry Masiko said Ugandans should take pride in the force’s growing international reputation as an anchor of stability in regional and global peace operations.
Kashari South MP John Bosco Tumusiime argued that participating in international missions enhances the professionalism and operational experience of the UPDF.
UPDF representative Maj. Gen. David Gonyi said Uganda has both a moral and diplomatic responsibility to support efforts aimed at restoring peace and protecting civilians in Gaza.
Seconding the motion, Minister of State for Public Service Lydia Wanyoto said Uganda has earned global recognition for its contribution to international peace and security, making the deployment consistent with the country’s long-standing peacekeeping role.
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