Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, joined several African leaders in Libreville, Gabon, for celebrations marking the country’s 66th independence anniversary, in a visit that highlighted the growing diplomatic and security relationship between Uganda and Gabon.Kainerugaba attended the official celebrations on Monday at the invitation of Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema.
According to Uganda’s Defence Press Unit, the Ugandan military chief was among senior dignitaries who gathered for the independence ceremonies as Gabon marked the historic occasion.Dressed in full camouflage military uniform, Gen. Muhoozi was seated in the front row of the official grandstand alongside other high-ranking guests as the colourful independence parade unfolded. His presence placed Uganda among the African countries represented at the high-profile national celebrations.The Ugandan delegation accompanying him included State Minister for Agriculture Desire Muhooza, Maj. Gen. Henry Masiko and Brig. Gen. Wycliff Keita. The delegation’s presence reflected the importance Uganda attaches to its growing relationship with Gabon.Following the parade and other official activities, Gen. Muhoozi held private talks with President Oligui Nguema. Although details of their discussions were not immediately made public, the meeting comes at a time when Kampala and Libreville have been strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual interest, particularly defence and other bilateral matters.Relations between Uganda and Gabon have received renewed attention in recent years.
President Oligui Nguema visited Uganda in August 2024, where he held talks with President Yoweri Museveni on areas including defence, trade, tourism and health. He returned to Kampala in May 2026 to attend President Museveni’s inauguration.The Gabon celebrations also brought together several other African heads of state, underlining the regional significance of the event. Among those present were Democratic Republic of Congo President Félix Tshisekedi, Côte d’Ivoire President Alassane Ouattara, São Tomé and Príncipe President Carlos Vila Nova, Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and The Gambia’s President Adama Barrow.Gabon gained independence from France on August 17, 1960. The anniversary celebrations therefore provided an opportunity for the country to honour its history while also bringing together leaders from across the continent.One of the notable highlights of this year’s celebrations was the inauguration of the Esplanade Georges Damas Aléka, a monument dedicated to Georges Aleka Damas, the renowned Gabonese figure who composed the music and wrote the lyrics of the country’s national anthem, La Concorde.
The anthem’s verses have been engraved on pillars at the newly inaugurated site.Gen. Muhoozi arrived in Libreville on Sunday ahead of the celebrations and was received by senior Gabonese defence officials. His participation in the national event has further placed Uganda’s military leadership at the centre of growing engagements between the two countries.Beyond the colourful ceremonies, the visit offers another opportunity for Uganda and Gabon to deepen their bilateral engagement. With defence, trade, tourism and health already featuring in previous high-level discussions, Gen. Muhoozi’s meeting with President Oligui Nguema is likely to keep the relationship between Kampala and Libreville firmly on the regional diplomatic agenda.
