Uganda CDF Gen. Muhoozi to Hold Talks on Sidelines of Gabon Independence Celebrations

Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, touched down in the Gabonese capital for the country’s 66th independence anniversary celebrations, alongside a high-level Ugandan delegation.

Gen. Kainerugaba is attending the August 17 celebrations at the invitation of Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, who also serves as the country’s supreme commander of defence and security forces.

Upon arrival in Libreville, Gen. Kainerugaba 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 him were members of the Ugandan delegation, 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 Gabon’s independence from French colonial rule in 1960 and follow a series of high-level diplomatic engagements between the two nations.

President Nguema visited Uganda in August 2024 to discuss trade, defence, tourism, and health cooperation with President Yoweri Museveni, later returning to Kampala in May for President Museveni’s inauguration.

The CDF’s visit is expected to further strengthen strategic cooperation between Uganda and Gabon, with bilateral talks on military collaboration and regional security planned on the sidelines.