Parliament has approved a government motion authorising the deployment of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) to the *
Gaza Strip as part of an international stabilisation mission.
The motion was tabled by the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, during a plenary sitting chaired by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa on 6th August 2026.
According to Kiryowa Kiwanuka, the deployment is in line with Uganda’s Constitution and the UPDF Act, and specifically Objective XIII of the National Objectives which mandates Uganda to promote regional and international peace and cooperation.
The minister told Parliament the UPDF contingent will:
- Remain neutral
- Comply with International Humanitarian Law
- Protect civilians without taking sides in political disputes
- Operate solely under the mandate of the Stabilisation Mission
Uganda’s participation will be under a multinational force established following United Nations Security Council Resolution 2788 (2025). The government says the mission will help restore peace and facilitate humanitarian assistance in Gaza, while also strengthening Uganda’s international standing.
The motion was not without debate. Several legislators questioned the timing and the lack of prior scrutiny.
Hon. Paul Mwiru, Chief Opposition Whip, asked for an adjournment to allow MPs and technical officers to review previous deployments before deciding.
Hon. John Baptist Nambeshe said Parliament should first receive reports on ongoing UPDF missions in CAR, DRC, Somalia and South Sudan. He also noted Gaza’s unique risk: “it is urban warfare and it becomes very difficult to distinguish between combatants and civilians.”
Hon. Patrick Nsamba called it “a matter of life and death” and urged more preparation.
Hon. Joseph Ssewungu opposed the motion, calling it an “ambush” and demanded details on troop welfare and family support.
Deputy Speaker Tayebwa acknowledged the motion had been submitted earlier but was left off the Order Paper “by oversight,” adding that the mission required urgent consideration because international decisions were expected over the weekend.
UPDF and Govt defend the deployment
UPDF representatives Maj. Gen. Henry Masiko and Maj. Gen. David Gonyi defended the deployment.
Masiko said Ugandans should be proud that the UPDF “is viewed as the anchor of stability in a sea of turbulence regionally and now globally.”
Gonyi argued Uganda has both a moral and diplomatic obligation to support peace in Gaza.
Hon. John Bosco Tumusiime said peacekeeping missions enhance UPDF professionalism, while Hon. Lydia Wanyoto noted Uganda’s reputation as a contributor to global peace.
Parliament eventually passed the motion.
