Muhoozi Joins African Leaders at Gabon Independence Celebrations

LIBREVILLE: Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, joined several African leaders in Libreville for celebrations marking Gabon’s 66th independence anniversary, as Kampala and Libreville deepen diplomatic and security ties.

Kainerugaba attended Monday’s ceremonies at the invitation of Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, according to Uganda’s Defence Press Unit.

Kainerugaba was dressed in full camouflage military uniform and seated in the front row of the official grandstand alongside senior dignitaries as the independence parade unfolded.

His delegation included State Minister for Agriculture Desire Muhooza, Maj. Gen. Henry Masiko and Brig. Gen. Wycliff Keita.

Kainerugaba later held private talks with President Oligui Nguema following the independence parade and other official ceremonies. Details of the discussions were not immediately disclosed.

The visit comes amid closer relations between Uganda and Gabon.

Oligui Nguema visited Uganda in August 2024 for talks with President Yoweri Museveni on areas including defence, trade, tourism and health, and returned to Kampala in May 2026 for Museveni’s inauguration.

Other African leaders attending the Gabon celebrations included Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Alassane Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire, Carlos Vila Nova of São Tomé and Príncipe, Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau and Adama Barrow of The Gambia.

Gabon gained independence from France on Aug. 17, 1960.

The anniversary events also featured the inauguration of the Esplanade Georges Damas Aléka, a monument honouring Georges Aleka Damas, who composed the music and wrote the lyrics of Gabon’s national anthem, La Concorde.

The anthem’s verses are engraved on pillars at the newly inaugurated site.

Kainerugaba’s participation in the celebrations follows his arrival in Libreville on Sunday, where he was received by senior Gabonese defence officials.