UPDF Set for Possible Gaza Mission

Uganda has reportedly agreed in principle to deploy personnel to a proposed International Stabilisation Force in Gaza following a request from United States President Donald Trump.

Uganda’s state-owned New Vision newspaper, citing highly placed military sources, reported that President Yoweri Museveni had given a positive response to Trump’s request for Uganda to participate in the mission under the newly established Board of Peace.

The proposed force is expected to help maintain order, protect civilians, facilitate humanitarian assistance and support the reconstruction of Gaza following years of conflict.

According to the report, Uganda would join Morocco, Kosovo, Albania and Kazakhstan, which have reportedly committed to participating in the initiative.

A logistical base is reportedly being established on the Israeli side of the Kerem Shalom crossing and is expected to accommodate an initial rotation of about 500 personnel before any deployment into Gaza.

The initiative follows the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803 in November 2025, which endorsed a peace plan for Gaza and provided for the establishment of a temporary international stabilisation force.

The resolution received 13 votes in favour, with China and Russia abstaining.

New Vision reported that US Army General Jasper Jeffers, who was appointed to lead the proposed Gaza stabilisation force, had indicated that participating countries would be assigned military and administrative responsibilities, including supporting security arrangements and the release of remaining hostages.

However, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces has not publicly announced a deployment timetable or the size and composition of any Ugandan contingent.

Acting Director of Defence Public Information, Col. Chris Magezi, said the UPDF would act once it receives clear strategic guidance from the Commander-in-Chief.

“If the President gives strategic guidance, he will instruct the UPDF to act accordingly and we will act,” Magezi said, according to New Vision.

Uganda has extensive experience in regional peace-support, counter-terrorism and stabilisation operations. The country has been one of the largest troop contributors to African Union missions in Somalia and has also supported peace-building and military training initiatives in South Sudan and the Central African Republic.

A deployment to Gaza would represent one of Uganda’s most significant security engagements outside the African continent and could place Kampala at the centre of international efforts to manage the territory’s post-conflict security and reconstruction arrangements.