Parliament has approved a government motion authorising the deployment of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) to the Gaza Strip as part of a proposed international stabilisation mission in the Middle East.

The motion, tabled by the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka,  sought Parliament's approval under the Constitution and the UPDF Act to deploy Ugandan troops to support efforts to restore peace and facilitate humanitarian assistance in Gaza.

This was during the plenary sitting chaired by Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa, on Thursday, 06 August 2026.

Kiryowa Kiwanuka said the deployment was in line with Uganda's constitutional obligations and international commitments.

"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," the motion states.

The minister further stated that the proposed mission would operate under strict humanitarian principles.

"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," the motion says.

According to the motion, Uganda's participation would also strengthen the country's international standing while contributing to peace and stability in the Middle East through a multinational force established following United Nations Security Council Resolution 2788 (2025).

Although Parliament eventually approved the deployment, several legislators questioned the manner in which the motion had been introduced and sought greater parliamentary oversight over Uganda's growing peacekeeping commitments.

The Chief Opposition Whip, Hon. Paul Mwiru, representing the Leader of the Opposition, argued that members needed more time to scrutinise the proposal before taking a decision.

"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," he said.

Mwiru, also the Jinja South Division East MP, was perturbed that Parliament was being asked to make a decision with significant consequences.

Deputy Speaker Tayebwa acknowledged that the motion had been submitted to Parliament earlier and that its omission from the Order Paper had been an oversight on his part.

"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," Tayebwa said, adding that the matter required urgent consideration because decisions relating to the international mission were expected over the weekend.

Hon. John Baptist Nambeshe (NUP, Manjiya County) supported Uganda's participation in peacekeeping operations but said Parliament should first receive reports on ongoing deployments in countries including the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia and South Sudan before approving another mission.

"We would be required as the legislature to know the performance of our peacekeeping mission in these countries," Nambeshe said, adding that Gaza presented unique operational risks because "it is urban warfare and it becomes very difficult to distinguish between combatants and civilians."

Hon. Patrick Nsamba (NUP, Kassanda County North) similarly urged Parliament not to rush consideration of what he described as "a matter of life and death."

"The matter of deploying our soldiers to a very risky place like Gaza, where Israel strikes every now and again cannot be just casually passed here. We have to prepare enough," he said.

Hon. Joseph Ssewungu (NUP, Kalungu County West) criticised the way the motion had been processed, insisting that the Opposition had not been given adequate opportunity to prepare.

"But your packaging sometimes is a problem," Ssewungu told government. "I am not supporting your motion, because it is an ambush on us."

He also argued that Parliament should have been given details on the welfare of troops, the benefits of the mission and support arrangements for soldiers' families before taking a decision.

Defending the deployment, UPDF representative Maj. Gen. Henry Masiko, dismissed suggestions that the force was unprepared for the mission and added that Uganda should take pride in the international recognition accorded to the UPDF.

"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," he said.

Hon. John Bosco Tumusiime (NRM, Kashari South County) argued that participation in international peace missions enhanced the professionalism of the UPDF. "By having this opportunity, this national force deployed outside, actually they are acquiring more skills," he said.

Maj. Gen. David Gonyi (UPDF) said Uganda had both a moral and diplomatic obligation to support the mission.

"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," Gonyi said.

Seconding the motion, the Minister of State for Public Service, Hon. Lydia Wanyoto, said Uganda had built an international reputation as a contributor to global peace and security.