Uganda's Parliament on Thursday approved the deployment of troops to Gaza as part of a proposed multinational force aimed at helping secure the territory after Israel's devastating war on the occupied Palestinian territory, following a request by the government.
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 agreed to deploy in Gaza, or if there was a quid pro quo involved, and some opposition lawmakers immediately questioned Uganda’s motive in the decision. Lawmaker Hassan Kirumira said the deployment would 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 said in parliament.
Defense Minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka, seeking the support of lawmakers, cited Uganda’s military capabilities stemming from its peacekeeping deployments in countries such as Somalia.
