KAMPALA, Uganda — Ugandan authorities sought and won parliamentary approval Thursday to deploy troops to Gaza as part of the international force proposed by U.S. President Trump’s Board of Peace to secure the territory following the devastating Israel-Hamas war, reports BritPanorama.
The successful motion, brought by the defense minister, marks Uganda’s first public indication of its willingness to join the International Stabilization Force for Gaza. Morocco has also pledged troops for the mission.
It remains unclear why Uganda agreed to deploy in Gaza, or if there is a quid pro quo involved. Some opposition lawmakers have questioned Uganda’s motive, with lawmaker Hassan Kirumira expressing concerns about potential “diplomatic issues” for a nation that is a member of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
Kirumira posed the “big question” for supporters of the deployment: “On which side is our army going to fight?” This uncertainty underscores the complexities surrounding Uganda’s military engagement.
Defense Minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka emphasized Uganda’s military capabilities, citing its experience from peacekeeping missions in countries like Somalia to garner legislative support.
The force proposed by Trump’s Board of Peace, which would be led by American Maj. Gen. Jasper Jeffers, aims to be a 20,000-strong contingent that will ensure “future prosperity and enduring peace,” following the guidelines set out in earlier announcements.
Last week, Trump announced a deal stipulating Hamas would disarm and Israel would withdraw its forces from Gaza. Under this agreement, the International Stabilization Force is set to be deployed only after the completion of an Israeli troop withdrawal.
The agreement, which is part of a broader ceasefire established last year, requires Israel to halt military operations while Hamas and its affiliates are expected to cease all militant activities. It broadly defines the decommissioning process.
In response to the terms of this agreement, Israel has expressed “serious security concerns,” which it communicated to the U.S.
Israeli attacks have resulted in the deaths of 1,250 people since the ceasefire deal was enacted in October, following two years of major fighting in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.
