Parliament has passed a government motion authorizing the deployment of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) to the Gaza Strip as part of an international stabilization mission in the Middle East.
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 Thursday. The submission sought parliamentary approval under the Constitution and the UPDF Act to deploy Ugandan troops for peace-building and humanitarian assistance operations following United Nations Security Council Resolution 2788 (2025).
Defending the motion, Hon. Kiwanuka stated that the international deployment aligns directly with Uganda's constitutional principles on promoting regional and global stability.
"The deployment is consistent with our National Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy, particularly Objective XIII, which mandates Uganda to promote regional and international peace, security and cooperation," Hon. Kiwanuka said.
The Defence Minister assured the House that the contingent would adhere strictly to international mandates and maintain political neutrality.
"The UPDF contingent will remain neutral, comply with International humanitarian law, protect civilians without taking sides in political disputes, and operate solely under the mandate of the Stabilisation Mission," Hon. Kiwanuka added.
Opposition lawmakers strongly criticized the speed and timing of the vote, calling the sudden introduction of the motion an ambush.
Chief Opposition Whip, Hon. Paul Mwiru, urged the House to delay the decision to allow lawmakers to review technical details and evaluate existing foreign military operations.
"I would only wonder whether it is not procedurally right that you adjourn - give us some time to address our mind to the motion and also use our technical officers to review the previous deployments we have made," Hon. Mwiru said.
Deputy Speaker Tayebwa accepted responsibility for the procedural delay, clarifying that the motion was submitted earlier and required immediate action ahead of global meetings over the weekend.
"The Minister for Defence brought this motion much earlier, he did his part. So, it was an oversight on my side for not putting it on the Order Paper," Deputy Speaker Tayebwa said.
Opposition MPs also raised concerns over the high operational risks of urban warfare in Gaza and called for comprehensive reports regarding ongoing deployments in Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic.
Military representatives in Parliament defended the deployment. UPDF representative Maj. Gen. Henry Masiko stated that international calls for Uganda's intervention reflect the military's growing global reputation.
"You should be very, very proud as Ugandans that Uganda People's Defence Forces is viewed as the anchor of stability in a sea of turbulence regionally and now globally," Maj. Gen. Masiko said.
Supporting the mission, UPDF representative Maj. Gen. David Gonyi emphasized Uganda's diplomatic duty to support vulnerable populations abroad.
"We cannot be in this House... and want to live in a peaceful country, not to support the deployment of the UPDF to go and help members of the community that live in the Gaza Strip to have at least some semblance of peace," Maj. Gen. Gonyi said.
The motion passed following contributions from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, clearing the legal path for the UPDF to join the Middle East stabilization force.
