Gaza Stabilisation Mission – UPDF track record indispensable

Defence and Veteran Affairs minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka

In August 2026, Defence minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka tabled the Gaza deployment motion before Parliament.

But while the MPs approved it, the question in the wide public remains why Uganda, under whose authority, with what mandate and for whose interests. Resolution 2803, adopted by the UN Security Council on November 17 2025, authorized a temporary international stabilization force for Gaza under unified command.

This goes beyond conventional peace-keeping, combining civilian protection, humanitarian access and security responsibilities. Clear rules of engagement and operational limits are, therefore, essential. Why Uganda?

The answer lies in its experience, professionalism, operational impact and trust with international security partnerships. Under Section 38 of the UPDF Act, the President is authorized to deploy Ugandan troops outside the country for peace keeping or peace enforcement subject to the law.

Neatly recorded, the UPDF successfully served in Somalia since 2007 and continues to contribute to AUSSOM. It has also undertaken peace support and security operations in South Sudan and the DR Congo, including Operation Lightning Thunder from 2008.

Uganda has additionally maintained a long history of security cooperation and military engagement in the Central African Republic. These experiences have exposed Ugandan forces to multinational command structures and complex security environments.

Though Gaza is different, but the above operational history provides a foundation for professional participation. Uganda’s peace keeping record has also produced measurable results.

According to AUSSOM, in May 2026, UPDF battle group 43 was commended for helping liberate five key areas, Sabiid, Anole, Bariire, Awdheegle, Mubarak and Darusalaam from Al-Shabaab control.

In April, a UPDF-led outreach rescued hundreds of households with relief and medical services, demonstrating Uganda’s contribution beyond military operations to stabilization, civilian protection and community recovery.

President Museveni’s regional security role remains important to Uganda. Under his leadership, Uganda has repeatedly assumed security responsibilities beyond its borders during periods of regional instability.

This has strengthened Uganda’s role in regional peace and security and helps explain its consideration for demanding international security missions. Equally, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba is greatly part of Uganda’s contemporary security leadership with military experience and regional security engagements.

His relevance lies within the broader security architecture through which Uganda deploys military strategy, leadership and regional cooperation. The Gaza deployment, however, remains a state policy, legal authority and Parliamentary authorization, not an individual decision.

Its success ultimately depends on clear command structures, accountability and professional conduct. Uganda is not approaching Gaza as a country seeking recognition or another battlefield.

It is approaching the mission as a state experienced in regional and international security operations. UPDF experience thus provides the foundation; Parliament’s authorization provides the domestic legal basis; and professional leadership provides the capacity for disciplined execution.

In the foregoing, the debate should, therefore, move beyond whether Uganda can send soldiers. The key question is whether the mission is sufficiently defined to protect Uganda’s national interests.

If the mandate protects civilians, facilitates humanitarian access, establishes clear rules of engagement, provides accountable command and respects Uganda’s constitutional framework, participation can be understood as part of Uganda’s contribution to international peace and security.

Ultimately, Uganda’s contribution should be measured by the professionalism of its soldiers, the clarity of their mandate, respect for the law, and commitment to protecting lives while preserving peace.

The author is the commissioner, RDC Secretariat- Kampala Metropolitan Office of the President

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