Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, is in Gabon to attend the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary celebrations scheduled for today the 17 August 2026.
Gen. Kainerugaba is attending the celebrations at the invitation of Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, who is also the country’s Supreme Commander of the Defence and Security Forces.
Upon arrival in Libreville, Gen. Kainerugaba was received by Gabon’s Minister of Defence, Brig. Gen. Brigitte Onkanowa, and Chief of General Staff of the Gabonese Armed Forces, Gen. Jean-Bédel Bouka.
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, were also present.
The celebrations mark Gabon’s independence from French colonial rule in 1960 and come amid strengthening diplomatic relations between Uganda and Gabon.
The visit is expected to further strengthen bilateral cooperation, with discussions on military collaboration and regional security expected to take place on the sidelines of the celebrations.
