Senior Ugandan military officers visited the US-led Civil-Military Coordination Center in Kiryat Gat, Israel, on 18 August 2026. The delegation reportedly discussed Uganda’s potential contribution of hundreds of soldiers to the proposed international security force in Gaza. The visit followed the Ugandan Parliament’s approval, on 6 August, of participation in the mission.
JaFaJ has spoken with Western sources close to the negotiations and understands that, although Israel appreciates Uganda’s initiative, significant concerns remain regarding the proposed deployment.
One JaFaJ source close to the Israeli military establishment, who has worked with several Middle Eastern governments, including Arab states, said Israeli officials remain uncertain about Uganda’s motivations for making the offer at this particular moment. The source added that Israel’s complicated historical experience with Uganda continues to influence how the proposal is viewed.
A second JaFaJ source raised concerns about discipline, accountability and the vulnerability of poorly paid personnel to bribery or corruption. According to the source, these risks would be particularly serious if Ugandan soldiers were stationed along Gaza’s borders or deployed inside the territory.
According to the source, “Hamas could attempt to exploit individual soldiers to facilitate weapons smuggling, overlook prohibited activity or assist in plots against Israeli troops, bases and civilian targets”.
JaFaJ also contacted an Israeli military source who, despite repeated requests, declined to comment specifically on Uganda’s potential role in Gaza. The source nevertheless outlined Israel’s broader position regarding any foreign contingent:
“We had our people butchered by Hamas terrorists on October 7, and we are taking no further chances. The margin for error is zero, and that standard will apply to every force seeking to join the peacekeeping mission in Gaza. I do not care where they come from. They must be honourable, reliable and professional, fully committed to the mission, and leave absolutely no room for corruption.”
The discussions remain preliminary, and the presence of Ugandan officers in Israel does not mean that Uganda’s main troop contingent has already deployed. Israel is expected to scrutinise the command structure, training, loyalties and anti-corruption safeguards of every country seeking a role in the proposed Gaza force.