Gen Muhoozi Arrives in Gabon for Independence Day Celebrations

LIBREVILLE. Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, arrived in Gabon on Sunday to attend celebrations marking the Central African country’s 66th independence anniversary.

Kainerugaba is leading a senior Ugandan delegation to the August 17 celebrations in Libreville at the invitation of Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, who is also commander-in-chief of the country’s defence and security forces.

He was received on arrival by Gabon’s Defence Minister Brig. Gen. Brigitte Onkanowa and Chief of General Staff of the Gabonese Armed Forces Gen. Jean-Bédel Bouka, according to Uganda’s Defence Press Unit.

The Ugandan delegation includes State Minister for Agriculture Desire Muhooza, Joint Staff Political Commissariat head Maj. Gen. Henry Masiko and Joint Staff Training and Doctrine chief Brig. Gen. Wycliff Keita.

Gabon marks its independence from France on August 17, having attained sovereignty in 1960.

Kainerugaba’s visit comes amid growing diplomatic engagement between Kampala and Libreville.

President Oligui Nguema visited Uganda in August 2024 for talks with President Yoweri Museveni covering trade, defence, tourism and health cooperation.

He later returned to Kampala in May 2026 for Museveni’s inauguration following Uganda’s general elections.

Ugandan defence officials said Kainerugaba’s visit was also expected to include “discussions on military cooperation and regional security on the sidelines of the independence celebrations.”

The trip adds a defence dimension to efforts by Uganda and Gabon to deepen bilateral relations as both governments seek stronger political, security and economic ties across the continent.