Parliament on Friday debated a government request seeking approval for the possible deployment of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) to a proposed United Nations peacekeeping mission in Gaza, with Members of Parliament expressing sharply differing views on the move.
Presenting the motion, the minister of Defence Kiryowa Kiwanuka, told Parliament that the government was seeking authority to enter into an agreement with the United Nations should the proposed peacekeeping mission be established.
“We are here to seek your approval to enter into an agreement with the United Nations on efforts to restore peace in Gaza. We are ready to deploy our troops with the capacity and skills to contribute to peace efforts in the Middle East,” Kiwanuka told the House.
During the debate, Katikamu South MP Hassan Kirumira raised concerns that Uganda should carefully consider the diplomatic implications of such a deployment.
Kirumira said Uganda is both a member of the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and argued that the government should ensure its foreign policy decisions do not affect the country’s relations with member states of the Islamic bloc.
“We should carefully consider our diplomatic position because Uganda belongs to both organisations,” Kirumira said.
In response, Kiwanuka said several Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, had also expressed willingness to contribute troops to a peacekeeping mission if one is authorised. He said Uganda’s participation would therefore be part of a broader international effort to restore peace.
The minister also assured Parliament that the welfare, remuneration and logistical support of any UPDF personnel deployed on the mission would be properly provided for.
He added that the military leadership has maintained a policy of zero tolerance for corruption in the management of peace support operations.
Kassanda North MP Patrick Nsamba questioned the manner in which the motion was introduced, arguing that it should have appeared on the Order Paper before being considered by the House.
Nsamba also said Parliament should first consult veterans and military officers with experience from previous peacekeeping missions before making such a decision.
He cautioned that Uganda should ensure its armed forces continue to operate strictly within recognised international peacekeeping frameworks.
On the other hand, Kakuto County MP Ismail Lubega supported the proposal, saying the UPDF has previously played important peacekeeping and stabilisation roles in countries such as Somalia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
He expressed confidence that the force would professionally carry out any assignment authorised by the United Nations.
Tororo District Woman MP Angela Akoth urged the government to prioritise the welfare and safety of Ugandan soldiers if the deployment is approved.
Kibuku District Woman MP Sylvia Damba Katooko called on all United Nations member states to support international efforts aimed at restoring peace in Gaza.
State Minister for Public Service Lydia Wanyoto Mutende, who previously worked with the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), also supported the proposal.
She urged Members of Parliament to back Uganda’s participation in international peace support operations, saying such missions strengthen the country’s contribution to global peace and security.
The proposed deployment comes against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which began on 7 October 2023. The war has resulted in heavy casualties and widespread destruction in Gaza, while also causing significant loss of life in Israel.
At the time of the parliamentary debate, no United Nations peacekeeping force had been deployed to Gaza. Any such mission would require approval through the appropriate United Nations processes before troop-contributing countries, including Uganda, could participate.
