Uganda and Burundi Explore Troop Contributions to Gaza Stabilization Force

The potential deployment of troops from Uganda and Burundi to Gaza could reshape regional security and influence international diplomatic relations.

• Military delegations from Uganda and Burundi visited Israel to discuss troop contributions to a proposed Gaza stabilization force.
• Uganda's parliament approved the deployment of approximately 1,200 troops, while Burundi is still in preliminary discussions.
• The proposed force aims for 20,000 troops but remains significantly under-committed amid stalled ceasefire negotiations.

• Fragile ceasefire: The October 2025 ceasefire in Gaza has faced challenges, particularly regarding Israeli withdrawal and Hamas disarmament.
• U.S. involvement: The U.S. Board of Peace is facilitating discussions and has engaged directly with Uganda's leadership to secure troop commitments.
• International commitments: Other countries, including Morocco and Indonesia, have made varying troop pledges, but overall participation remains low.

In mid-August 2026, military officials from Uganda and Burundi visited Israel as part of a broader initiative to establish an International Stabilization Force in Gaza. This force is intended to monitor a ceasefire, support humanitarian aid delivery, and train local police. The backdrop of this initiative is a fragile ceasefire established in October 2025, which has been marred by disputes over the terms of Israeli withdrawal and the disarmament of Hamas.

Uganda's parliamentary approval for 1,200 troops marks a significant step, reflecting a commitment to international peacekeeping efforts. The Ugandan government, led by President Museveni, has been responsive to U.S. outreach, indicating a strategic alignment with U.S. interests in the region. Meanwhile, Burundi's military delegation expressed interest but has not yet formalized its participation, highlighting a cautious approach amid ongoing discussions.

The proposed stabilization force aims for a total of 20,000 troops, but current commitments are far below this target. Countries like Morocco, Kosovo, Kazakhstan, and Albania have pledged smaller troop numbers, while Indonesia's earlier commitment of 8,000 troops has been suspended. The lack of concrete commitments from Israel regarding troop withdrawal complicates the situation further, as ongoing disputes between Israel and Hamas hinder the implementation of the broader ceasefire plan.

The U.S. has been actively involved in these discussions, with figures like Jared Kushner playing a role in diplomatic efforts. The Board of Peace's initiative reflects a strategic attempt to stabilize Gaza and facilitate humanitarian efforts, but the success of this mission hinges on the resolution of key issues, including disarmament and the conditions for Israeli withdrawal.

• Military personnel: Troops from Uganda and Burundi preparing for deployment will undergo training and logistical preparations.
• Local populations in Gaza: The stabilization force's success or failure will directly impact the security and humanitarian conditions in Gaza.
• International businesses: Companies operating in or near conflict zones may face increased risks or opportunities depending on the stability achieved by the force.

• Troop deployment announcements: Monitor for any formal announcements regarding troop deployments from Uganda and Burundi, as these will indicate the progress of the stabilization force.
• Ceasefire negotiations: Watch for developments in ceasefire discussions between Israel and Hamas, as these will influence the operational environment for the stabilization force.
• International responses: Observe how other nations react to Uganda and Burundi's commitments, as this could affect regional alliances and security dynamics.