Uganda's Parliament has approved a government motion authorizing the deployment of a Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (UPDF) contingent to the Gaza Strip as part of an International Stabilisation Force (ISF), following an invitation from the United States.

The motion was tabled on Thursday by the Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, during the 14th sitting of the first meeting of the first session of the 12th Parliament, chaired by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa.

Kiwanuka said the deployment is being made under Section 38 of the UPDF Act, Cap. 330, and Rule 61(1)(k) of the Rules of Procedure of Parliament, 2025.

He told Parliament that Article 210(d) of Uganda's Constitution mandates Parliament to regulate the deployment of UPDF troops outside the country, while Section 38 of the UPDF Act allows the President to deploy troops abroad for peacekeeping or peace enforcement with parliamentary approval.

The defence minister said the current Israel-Palestine conflict stems from decades of competing national movements, disputed territory, repeated wars and unsuccessful peace efforts, resulting in widespread destruction, displacement and a severe humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.

He also recalled that Hamas and allied groups attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing about 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostages, after which Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza.

According to Kiwanuka, the United Nations Security Council, during its 10,046th meeting on November 17, 2025, adopted Resolution 2803 (2025) welcoming the establishment of the Board of Peace (BoP) as a transitional administration to coordinate Gaza's redevelopment until the Palestinian Authority completes its reform programme.

He said the resolution also calls on member states and international organizations to contribute personnel, equipment and financial resources to the International Stabilisation Force.

The minister further told lawmakers that in July 2026, U.S. President Donald John Trump, through several emissaries, contacted President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni seeking Uganda's contribution to the ISF by deploying a UPDF contingent.

He said Ugandan officials subsequently held engagements with senior UPDF leadership, officials from the U.S. Embassy in Kampala and the leadership of the International Stabilisation Force regarding the proposed deployment.

Kiwanuka cited Uganda's commitment to international peace and security, as well as the country's experience in peace support operations in Somalia, South Sudan, the Central African Republic and United Nations missions.

He said Uganda's participation in the ISF would help prevent renewed conflict between Israel and Palestine, reduce regional instability and support implementation of the ceasefire process.

According to the minister, the UPDF's responsibilities would include monitoring compliance with security arrangements, supervising security measures, supporting demobilisation efforts and helping eliminate terrorist groups that have previously used the Gaza Strip as a base of operations.

He also assured Parliament that UPDF personnel would remain neutral, comply with international humanitarian law, protect civilians and operate under clearly defined rules of engagement throughout the mission.

The motion was seconded and supported by a majority of Members of Parliament.

UPDF representative in Parliament Maj. Gen. Henry Masiko said the deployment would help the force gain additional operational experience while complying with United Nations resolutions.

He noted that UPDF peacekeepers receive international training at the International Peace Support Operations Training Center in Singo.

Another UPDF representative, Maj. Gen. David Gonyi, Commandant of the Senior Command and Staff College (SCSC) Kimaka, also supported the deployment.

Other lawmakers who backed the motion included Ministers Lydia Wanyoto, Chris Baryomunsi, Henry Musasizi and Huda Oleru, as well as MPs Okot Peter and James Waluswaka.

Following the debate, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa directed Defence Minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka to complete the remaining requirements for signing the agreement for the deployment.