Uganda’s parliament has voted to approve the deployment of the country’s military to the Gaza Strip if an international security force proposed under U.S. President Donald Trump’s ceasefire plan is eventually established.
Uganda’s parliament has approved the deployment of the country’s military to the Gaza Strip if an international security force proposed under U.S. President Donald Trump’s ceasefire plan is eventually established.
Lawmakers voted in favour of the deployment after Defence Minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka told parliament that the United States had approached President Yoweri Museveni through diplomatic channels in July to seek Uganda’s participation in the proposed multinational force, according to a Reuters report.
According to Kiwanuka, Uganda stands ready to contribute troops if the mission moves forward.
The vote marks the first time Uganda has publicly acknowledged its willingness to take part in the proposed force. Last month, an Israeli official said troops from “friendly countries,” including Uganda, could participate if the mission is launched.
Trump’s ceasefire plan takes shape
The proposed deployment forms part of a broader ceasefire framework announced by Trump after a fragile truce was reached in October. The plan calls for increased humanitarian assistance, the establishment of a civilian administration led by Palestinian technocrats, the disarmament of Hamas and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
It also proposes the creation of an International Stabilisation Force to operate in areas no longer under Israeli military control. However, the plan has made little progress, and the civilian administration envisaged under the proposal has yet to be established inside Gaza.
During Thursday’s debate, several Ugandan lawmakers sought clarification on the legal framework that would govern the deployment. Kiwanuka said a Status of Forces Agreement would be negotiated and signed if the mission proceeds.
Uganda has extensive experience in international peacekeeping operations and currently has troops deployed in Somalia, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Gaza Strip remains devastated after nearly two years of war triggered by Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, with much of the enclave’s infrastructure destroyed and humanitarian needs continuing to grow.