KAMPALA, Uganda — The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has challenged Uganda’s proposed participation in an international stabilisation mission in Gaza, days after Parliament authorised the government to deploy Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces personnel if the planned multinational force becomes operational.
Parliament approved the deployment motion on Thursday, 6 August 2026, following a request presented by Defence and Veteran Affairs Minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka.
The approval gives the government parliamentary authority for Uganda to contribute troops to the proposed International Stabilization Force for Gaza. It does not, however, mean that UPDF troops have already been deployed to the territory.
The timing and final structure of the international mission remain uncertain as diplomatic negotiations over the future security and administration of Gaza continue.
FDC questions Uganda’s role
On Monday, 10 August, the FDC said Uganda should reconsider its involvement, arguing that participation in a United States-backed security arrangement could conflict with the country’s current leadership role in the Non-Aligned Movement.
FDC Deputy President and Obongi County MP Hassan Kaps Fungaroo argued that Uganda’s position as chair of the Non-Aligned Movement requires the country to maintain an independent foreign-policy posture, particularly on the Palestinian question.
The opposition party also raised questions about the parliamentary scrutiny of the proposed deployment and called for greater clarity on the risks to Ugandan personnel, financing of the operation, compensation arrangements and the legal framework under which the troops would serve.
The concerns represent the latest domestic political reaction to a decision that could place Ugandan soldiers in one of the world’s most politically sensitive conflict environments.
Government defends proposed mission
According to Parliament, the government presented the deployment as part of international efforts aimed at restoring stability and facilitating humanitarian assistance in Gaza.
Kiwanuka told lawmakers that Uganda had been approached over contributing personnel to the international force. Reuters reported that US President Donald Trump had contacted President Yoweri Museveni through emissaries in July seeking Uganda’s participation.
During parliamentary debate, the Defence Minister also indicated that a status-of-forces agreement would be concluded to establish the legal framework governing Ugandan personnel should the deployment proceed.
Uganda has extensive experience in international and regional military missions, with its forces having served in operations in countries including Somalia, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
International force still taking shape
The proposed International Stabilization Force forms part of wider diplomatic efforts to establish security arrangements for Gaza following prolonged conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Reuters reported on Monday that an eventual international deployment could still be months away as negotiations continue over disarmament, Israeli withdrawal and the future administration of Gaza.
Uganda and Morocco are among the countries that have publicly indicated willingness to contribute troops, while other countries have discussed providing military planners, medical personnel or other forms of support.
Major elements of the wider Gaza political settlement remain unresolved, meaning the size, timing and operational conditions of any Ugandan deployment are not yet final.
Debate likely to continue
The FDC has called for Uganda to withdraw from the proposed mission and urged Parliament to subject future overseas military deployments to more extensive scrutiny.
The government, meanwhile, maintains that Uganda has the military experience and international obligations necessary to contribute to peace and stabilisation efforts.
With Parliament having granted approval but the international mission itself still under development, attention will now turn to the diplomatic arrangements, mandate, financing and safeguards that would govern any eventual deployment of Ugandan troops to Gaza.
