Uganda has given preliminary approval to deploy military personnel to a proposed international peacekeeping mission in Gaza. 

Reports said the decision came after U.S. President Donald Trump, under his Board of Peace framework, requested Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni to assist in setting up an international stabilisation force (ISF) to help maintain order and deliver humanitarian aid in the territory.

Colonel Chris Magezi, the acting director of information for the Ugandan armed forces, said the military awaits formal strategic directives from Mr Museveni’s presidency before taking action.

“We are waiting to get instructions from the Commander-in-Chief, President Yoweri Museveni. If the president gives strategic guidance, he will instruct the Uganda People’s Defence Forces to act accordingly, and we will act,” Mr Magezi stated.

The United Nations Security Council authorised the proposed force in late 2025 to help restore security in Gaza, protect civilians, facilitate humanitarian operations, and support reconstruction following months of conflict.

The force was meant to operate alongside a Palestinian technocratic administration and locally recruited police.

While countries such as Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo and Albania had also pledged personnel according to U.S. officials, Indonesia suspended plans to contribute troops pending further review of the mission.

Despite UN approval, the force had yet to become operational due to disagreements over Gaza’s post-war governance, Hamas’ future role and the continued Israeli military presence in parts of the territory.

Should Uganda eventually join the force, the country would bring its extensive peacekeeping experience to bear given its history of participating in security operations in DR Congo and other African countries.

However, concerns persist over the possibility of different political and operational challenges, including confrontation with armed Palestinian factions and domestic criticism over cooperation with Israel and the U.S.