Parliament has approved a government motion authorising the deployment of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) to the Gaza Strip as part of a proposed international stabilisation mission in the Middle East. Kiryowa Kiwanuka tabling the Gaza deployment motionHon. Defending the deployment, UPDF representative Maj. Gen. Henry Masiko, dismissed suggestions that the force was unprepared for the mission and added that Uganda should take pride in the international recognition accorded to the UPDF. John Bosco Tumusiime (NRM, Kashari South County) argued that participation in international peace missions enhanced the professionalism of the UPDF. Maj. Gen. David Gonyi (UPDF) said Uganda had both a moral and diplomatic obligation to support the mission.