Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has arrived in Gabon to attend the country’s 66th Independence Day celebrations at the invitation of President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema.
Gen. Muhoozi arrived in the capital, Libreville, on Sunday, August 16, 2026, leading a high-level Ugandan delegation ahead of the celebrations scheduled for Monday, August 17.
Upon arrival, the CDF 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.
Members of the Ugandan delegation were also present, including State Minister for Agriculture Desire Muhooza, Joint Staff–Political Commissariat Maj. Gen. Henry Masiko and Joint Staff Training and Doctrine Brig. Gen. Wycliff Keita.
The celebrations mark 66 years since Gabon gained independence from French colonial rule in 1960 and come at a time when relations between Uganda and Gabon continue to develop through high-level political and diplomatic engagements.
Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, who is also the country’s supreme commander of defence and security forces, visited Uganda in August 2024, where he held discussions with President Yoweri Museveni on areas including trade, defence, tourism and health.
President Nguema later returned to Uganda in May 2026 to attend President Museveni’s inauguration, further highlighting the growing relations between the two countries.
Gen. Muhoozi’s visit is expected to provide another opportunity for Uganda and Gabon to strengthen cooperation, particularly in defence and security.
Bilateral engagements on military collaboration and regional security are expected to take place on the sidelines of the independence celebrations.
The visit also reflects Uganda’s growing engagement with other African countries on matters of defence, security and regional cooperation.
As Gabon marks its 66th year of independence, Gen. Muhoozi’s presence at the celebrations places Uganda among the countries represented at the high-level national event and could further strengthen the relationship between Kampala and Libreville.
