The Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) have not yet deployed troops to the Gaza Strip despite parliamentary approval for the mission, according to Lt. Gen. Jack Bakasumba, Chief of Joint Staff, who testified before Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Tuesday. Bakasumba stated that the deployment remains pending due to the absence of a binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and ongoing troop training, emphasizing that the process requires final clearance. The PAC, chaired by Patrick Nsamba Oshabe, sought clarification on the status of the mission, which was authorized by Parliament on August 6, 2026, as part of a proposed International Stabilisation Force. The Defence Minister was tasked with completing remaining requirements after the approval, but no troops have been sent as of now.
The committee also addressed concerns over Uganda’s preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), co-hosted with Kenya and Tanzania. Bakasumba provided updates on infrastructure projects by the UPDF Engineering Brigade, revealing mixed progress rates: 49% completion at Mandela National Stadium (Namboole), 93% at Kyambogo University, 64% at Hoima Boma, 76% at Makerere University, and 10% at FUFA Kadiba. These figures prompted sharp questions from MPs, including Nsamba, who expressed worry over the timeline, noting that Namboole is slated for completion by December 2026, while FUFA Kadiba and Sir Tito Winyi Secondary School are due in January 2027. The military chief reiterated that the government remains committed to meeting these deadlines.
In addition to the Gaza and AFCON discussions, the PAC inquired about security risks in South Sudan following recent political instability. Bakasumba confirmed that Ugandan security agencies are monitoring the situation closely and pledged to repatriate citizens if necessary. The testimony highlighted the UPDF’s dual focus on international missions and domestic infrastructure, underscoring the complexities of balancing multiple priorities. The committee’s scrutiny reflects broader public interest in accountability, given the financial and strategic implications of both the Gaza deployment and the AFCON preparations.
The delay in Gaza deployment and infrastructure progress underscore the challenges of executing large-scale operations under tight deadlines. While the UPDF maintains that preparations are underway, the lack of a finalized MOU and incomplete facilities have raised questions about readiness. As Uganda navigates these responsibilities, the PAC’s oversight aims to ensure transparency and alignment with national interests. The next steps will depend on the completion of agreements, training, and construction milestones, with the government under pressure to deliver on its commitments.