Uganda Weighs Sending Troops to Gaza as Somalia Mission Nears End
Uganda is considering deploying troops to Gaza with possible US support as its long-running military mission in Somalia approaches a major transition, according to officials familiar with the discussions.
KAMPALA, Uganda (Somali Report) — Uganda is considering a possible deployment of its troops to the Gaza Strip as its long-running military mission in Somalia approaches a major transition, according to Ugandan officials familiar with discussions over the future of the country's armed forces.
The proposal is among options being considered by Kampala as it seeks continued financial and logistical support for its military after years of deploying troops overseas, including as part of the African Union-backed mission in Somalia.
Ugandan and partner countries are expected to discuss ways of securing funding, equipment and other support for the country's armed forces as the Somalia operation moves towards its conclusion, according to an official identified as Williams.
He said the possibility of deploying Ugandan troops to Gaza with US backing was among the options under consideration.
The idea appears to have moved beyond an initial discussion, with a Ugandan military official familiar with the plans saying preparations had begun to identify troops who could potentially be deployed to the Palestinian territory.
However, key details remain unclear, including the size of any Ugandan contingent, the nature of its possible mission and when such a deployment could take place.
The discussions come as international efforts continue to consider security arrangements for Gaza and the possible role of foreign forces in the territory following the conflict.
Any deployment would represent a significant new overseas commitment for Uganda, which has for years maintained a substantial military presence in Somalia as part of international efforts to support the Somali government and fight Al-Shabaab militants.
Ugandan forces have been a major component of the African Union's security presence in Somalia, where they have conducted operations against the jihadist group and helped protect key government and strategic installations.
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But the future of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia, known as AUSSOM, has come under increasing pressure from funding shortages and questions over how the Somali government and international partners will finance security operations.
The changing mission has raised concerns among troop-contributing countries over how to maintain military capabilities, personnel and equipment once the current arrangements in Somalia are scaled back or replaced.
For Kampala, a potential role in Gaza could therefore provide another avenue for maintaining an international military presence while securing financial and logistical assistance for its armed forces.
US support could be particularly significant if Uganda were to take part in any future Gaza security arrangement, although there has been no formal announcement confirming a deployment or detailing the terms of possible American assistance.
The proposal also comes amid wider international discussions about who could provide security in Gaza, how foreign forces might operate there and what arrangements could be established after the conflict.
Uganda has previously participated in several overseas military missions, making it one of Africa's more prominent troop-contributing countries.
Any decision to deploy troops to Gaza would nevertheless require further political and military discussions, including agreement on the mandate, rules of engagement, financing and the broader international framework governing such a force.
For now, Kampala appears to be weighing its options as the Somalia mission enters a new phase and Uganda looks for ways to sustain its military commitments abroad.
About the Author
Ahmed Omar is a senior journalist for Somali Report, based in Mogadishu. He has two decades of experience reporting on Somalia for international and local media. He covers politics, security, governance, business, trade, economic developments and regional affairs.