Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, is in Libreville, Gabon, for the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary celebrations, at the invitation of Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema.
Gen. Kainerugaba arrived in the Gabonese capital alongside a high-level Ugandan delegation and was received by Gabon’s Minister of Defence, Brig. Gen. Brigitte Onkanowa, and the Chief of General Staff of the Gabonese Armed Forces, Gen. Jean-Bédel Bouka.
Also present to receive the Ugandan delegation were State Minister for Agriculture Desire Muhooza, Joint Staff–Political Commissariat Maj. Gen. Henry Masiko, and Joint Staff Training and Doctrine Brig. Gen. Wycliff Keita.
Gen. Kainerugaba is attending the August 17 celebrations at the invitation of President Oligui Nguema, who also serves as Gabon’s supreme commander of the defence and security forces.
Gabon’s Independence Day marks the country’s independence from French colonial rule in 1960. This year’s celebrations come amid growing diplomatic and strategic engagement between Uganda and Gabon.
President Oligui Nguema visited Uganda in August 2024 for talks with President Yoweri Museveni on trade, defence, tourism and health cooperation. He later returned to Kampala in May to attend President Museveni’s inauguration.
Gen. Kainerugaba’s visit is expected to further strengthen the growing relationship between Kampala and Libreville, with bilateral discussions on military cooperation and regional security expected to feature on the sidelines of the celebrations.
His presence in Gabon underscores Uganda’s continued push to deepen strategic partnerships on the continent and strengthen cooperation in defence and regional security.
