From the Liveblog of
Thursday, August 6, 2026
Uganda approves sending troops for international force in Gaza
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Ugandan authorities win parliamentary approval to deploy troops to Gaza as part of the international force proposed by US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace to secure the territory following the devastating Israel-Hamas war.
The successful motion, brought by the defense minister, is Uganda’s first public indication of its willingness to join the International Stabilization Force for Gaza. Morocco also has pledged troops for the mission.
It was not immediately clear why Uganda has agreed to deploy in Gaza, or if there was a quid pro quo involved, and some opposition lawmakers question Uganda’s motive in the decision. Lawmaker Hassan Kirumira says the deployment will raise “diplomatic concerns” for a country that is a member of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
The “big question” for supporters of the deployment to clarify is: “On which side is our army going to fight?” he says in parliament.
Defense Minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka, seeking the support of lawmakers, cites Uganda’s military capabilities stemming from its peacekeeping deployments in countries such as Somalia.
The force, proposed by Trump’s Board of Peace in February, would be led by American Maj. Gen. Jasper Jeffers, who said in May that the envisioned 20,000-strong force would ensure “future prosperity and enduring peace.”
Last week Trump announced a deal for Hamas to disarm and for Israel to withdraw its forces from Gaza. According to that deal, the International Stabilization Force would be deployed to Gaza after the completion of a phased withdrawal of Israeli troops.
After the text of the agreement was released, Israel said it had “serious security concerns” about the deal.
The Times of Israel Community.