UPDF’S IMPRESSIVE RECORD SET TO GRACE GLOBAL ARENA

By Emma Belinda Were

On Thursday, August 6, 2026, Parliament of Uganda approved a government proposal to deploy the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) to the Gaza Strip, as part of an International Stabilization Force (ISF) following an invitation from the United States of America.

Once this approval comes to fruition, Uganda will be joining a diverse coalition of countries that have committed, or are being considered for the Gaza Stabilization mission including Indonesia, Morrocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo and Albania. Egypt and Jordan are expected to provide important training and regional support.

This multinational composition highlights the scale and international character of the mission. Uganda’s participation, therefore, places the UPDF alongside a select group of forces being entrusted with one of the world’s most challenging peace and security assignments.

This is an opportunity that could significantly enhance Uganda’s military diplomacy and international standing, for being at the heart of a consequential challenge of our time. It also presents an opportunity for Uganda to demonstrate that African countries are not merely observers in global conflicts, but capable contributors for the search of sustainable peace.

The ISF is envisaged under the framework endorsed by the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803, which authorized an international force to support the implementation of the Gaza Peace Plan.

Uganda should, therefore, be commended for accepting this responsibility. Uganda has a long-standing tradition of contributing to regional and international peace efforts, demonstrating capabilities in restoring stability in areas affected by conflict.

Gaza has experienced significant destruction and human suffering and any international force operating there will face enormous security, political and humanitarian challenges making Gaza mission is inevitably complex. This is precisely why the professionalism, discipline and experience of the troops contributing to such a mission matters enormously.

The UPDF’s record speaks for itself with accumulated experience in peace support operations, especially through its long involvement in Somalia. It has been a major troop contributor to African Union Missions for many years, operating in some of the most difficult security conditions on the continent, confronting Al-Shabaab, protecting strategic installations and supporting efforts to create conditions in which Somali institutions can rebuild their authority.

In April 2026, the African Union specifically expressed appreciation to Uganda and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for the sacrifices being made by the UPDF personnel in support of stability in Somalia under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

That recognition was significant because peacekeeping is not only measured by number of troops deployed but by the ability of those troops to operate under difficult circumstances, work with multinational partners, protect civilians, maintain discipline and contribute to the restoration of legitimate institutions.

The Somalia experience has given UPDF valuable operational knowledge, it has learned to operate in unfamiliar environments and understanding of delicate relationships between military, humanitarian needs and political reconciliation.

Uganda’s experience is not limited to Somalia, since the force has also participated in peace and security operations in South Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo. This history gives UPDF credibility as Uganda considers a new international assignment in Gaza.

The success of this deployment, however, will depend on clarity of the mandate. Our leaders must ensure that our troops are under clearly defined rules of engagement and well negotiated Status of Force Agreements.

It’s important to note that Prime Minister Netanyahu has expressed strong reservations about any international peacekeeping force in Gaza unless clear security guarantees are in place. This doesn’t necessarily mean that Israel is opposed to an intentional presence but it a development to keep eyes on. On 10th August, Prime Minister Netanyahu rejected the US-backed 15-point Gaza Peace proposal arguing that Isreal should not withdraw from Gaza unless Hamas is completely disarmed. This is among other obstacles.

A political solution to the Israeli-Palestine conflict has been one of the most difficult elements. If Palestine remain without credible political future and self-determination, military arrangements can only manage the situation but not end the conflict.

President Museveni has repeatedly supported a two State solution to this conflict arguing that the only sustainable path is for Israel and Palestine to coexist as Independent States with security, dignity and mutual recognition. In March 2026, at an Iftar dinner at State House, President Museveni reiterated his long-standing position that the conflict requires a political settlement-based coexistence rather than continued warfare.

Since Uganda has important diplomatic relations across the Middle East and is also a member of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation this deployment, therefore, calls for clear communication about Uganda’s objectives.

In conclusion, this is bigger than sending our soldiers abroad. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate responsibility, professionalism and confidence on the international stage. For UPDF, Gaza could become another chapter in a growing history of service beyond Uganda’s borders and a great contributor to peace and security.