Uganda’s parliament on Thursday approved the possible deployment of troops to the Gaza Strip as part of a proposed multinational security force under U.S. President Donald Trump’s ceasefire plan.
Defence Minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka told lawmakers that Trump had contacted President Yoweri Museveni through emissaries in July, asking Uganda to contribute personnel to the planned international force.
An Israeli official said last month that troops from friendly countries, including Uganda, could participate if the force is established. Thursday’s parliamentary debate marked Kampala’s first public confirmation that it was considering joining the mission.
Trump’s Gaza peace plan, announced after a fragile ceasefire was reached in October, calls for increased humanitarian aid, the creation of a civilian administration led by Palestinian technocrats, the disarmament of Hamas and the withdrawal of Israeli forces.
However, implementation has stalled. The National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, the group of Palestinian technocrats expected to govern the territory, has yet to enter the enclave.
The proposal also provides for an International Stabilization Force to deploy in areas no longer under Israeli control, although no timetable has been announced.
“Following the invitation by His Excellency Donald Trump, the president of the Republic of Uganda is ready to deploy the desired Uganda People’s Defence Forces contingent in the Gaza Strip,” Kiwanuka told parliament.
Several lawmakers questioned the legal framework for the operation. Kiwanuka said a status-of-forces agreement setting out the rights and responsibilities of Ugandan troops would be signed after parliamentary approval.
Uganda has extensive experience in foreign military and peacekeeping operations, with troops currently deployed in countries including Somalia, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Large parts of Gaza remain devastated following nearly two years of war triggered by the Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel on October 7, 2023.