Key facts
- Uganda's parliament approved the deployment of its military to Gaza.
- The deployment is part of a multinational security force under Donald Trump's Gaza ceasefire plan.
- Morocco has also pledged troops for the mission.
- The proposed force would be led by American Maj. Gen. Jasper Jeffers.
- The ceasefire deal was announced last week, involving Hamas disarming and Israeli withdrawal.
Uganda's parliament has approved the deployment of troops to Gaza as part of a multinational security force envisioned under a ceasefire plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. The move marks Uganda's first public indication of its willingness to join the International Stabilization Force for Gaza, with Morocco also pledging troops.
Defense Minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka sought parliamentary support, citing Uganda's military capabilities from peacekeeping deployments in countries like Somalia. The proposed 20,000-strong force would be led by American Maj. Gen. Jasper Jeffers. The plan, announced last week, involves Hamas disarming and Israel withdrawing its forces from Gaza, with the international force securing the territory afterward. However, Israel has expressed serious security concerns regarding the agreement.
Some opposition lawmakers questioned Uganda's motives, with one noting potential diplomatic concerns for a member of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and asking on which side the army would fight.