Uganda approves troop deployment to Gaza

Uganda's parliament approved a potential deployment of Ugandan troops to Gaza as part of a multinational stabilization force under a postwar plan for the enclave.

Ugandan Defense Minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka told lawmakers that President Donald Trump, through emissaries, asked President Yoweri Museveni in July to consider contributing troops to the force. "Following the invitation by His Excellency Donald Trump, the President of the Republic of Uganda is ready to deploy in the Gaza Strip the desired Uganda People's Defence Forces contingent," Kiwanuka said during the parliamentary debate.

Lawmakers approved the deployment, though Kiwanuka noted that a status-of-forces agreement governing the mission would be signed before any troops are sent.

The vote marks the first public acknowledgment by Uganda that it is prepared to participate in the force. An Israeli official previously stated that "friendly countries," Including Uganda, could take part if the mission is established.

Trump's Gaza framework, announced after a ceasefire agreement, calls for increased humanitarian assistance, civilian governance by Palestinian technocrats, Hamas disarmament and Israeli force withdrawal. The proposal includes an International Stabilization Force deploying in areas no longer under Israeli control, though implementation has stalled and the proposed civilian governing body has yet to assume any role in the enclave.

Uganda currently has troops deployed in Somalia, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo as part of international peacekeeping missions.