Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, joined several African leaders in Libreville for celebrations marking Gabon’s 66th Independence Anniversary. Gen Kainerugaba attended the 17 August events 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, 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. His delegation included State Minister for Agriculture Desire Muhooza, Maj Gen Henry Masiko and Brig Gen Wycliff Keita. After the independence parade and official ceremonies, Gen Kainerugaba held private talks with President Oligui Nguema. Details of the discussions were not publicly disclosed, but the visit is expected to advance cooperation in military collaboration and regional security. Other African leaders present included President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo, President Alassane Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire, President Carlos Vila Nova of São Tomé and Príncipe, President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau and President Adama Barrow of The Gambia. The celebrations commemorated Gabon’s independence from French colonial rule, achieved on 17 August 1960. A highlight included the inauguration of a monument dedicated to Georges Aleka Damas, composer of the national anthem. The visit builds on recent high-level contacts. President Oligui Nguema visited Uganda in August 2024 for talks with President Yoweri Museveni on trade, defence, tourism and health, and returned to Kampala in May 2026 for Museveni’s inauguration. Gen Kainerugaba’s presence in Libreville underscores Uganda’s continued efforts to expand strategic partnerships across the continent beyond its traditional East African focus. King Musah Media will continue tracking Uganda’s defence and diplomatic engagements.