On 15th September 2025, Uganda’s Ambassador to the Gabonese Republic, H.E. Farid Kaliisa, officially presented his credentials as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to H.E. Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, President of the Gabonese Republic, at State House in Libreville.
Ambassador Kaliisa conveyed warm greetings of friendship and esteem from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, reaffirming Uganda’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation with Gabon.
President Oligui Nguema congratulated Ambassador Kaliisa on his appointment and welcomed him to Gabon, noting that the diplomatic representation of both countries in each other’s capitals reflects the strong and friendly ties between Uganda and Gabon. He emphasized that these relations are built on shared interests in diplomacy, politics, regional security, and international cooperation.
The Gabonese Head of State recalled his State Visit to Uganda in August 2024, during which both countries deepened cooperation in agriculture, defense, health, and political affairs. He urged Ambassador Kaliisa to consolidate these gains through active engagement with Gabonese authorities, increased exchanges of official visits, and promotion of trade and investment opportunities.
President Oligui Nguema also invited the Ugandan envoy to tour the Special Investment Zone of Nkok, encouraging Ugandan entrepreneurs to explore business prospects in Gabon.
Ambassador Kaliisa, in response, pledged to ensure effective representation and to further strengthen fraternal relations between the two countries. He expressed gratitude to the Government of Gabon for its warm reception and reaffirmed Uganda’s readiness to advance cooperation in defense, training, agriculture, health, and trade.
Background on Uganda–Gabon Relations
Uganda and Gabon enjoy cordial bilateral ties, with both nations committed to collaboration in diplomacy, security, trade, and regional stability. These relations have been reinforced by reciprocal high-level visits, including President Oligui Nguema’s 2024 State Visit to Uganda and First Lady Zita Oligui Nguema’s participation in the launch of the Women’s Optimal Health Framework (WOHF) in Kampala.
Trade flows between the two countries are modest but steadily growing. In 2023, Uganda exported goods worth $612,000 to Gabon, mainly aluminum, steel articles, cereals, oil seeds, and machinery. Gabon, in turn, exported products worth $167,000 to Uganda, including medical equipment, mineral fuels, and electrical machinery.
Both countries are preparing to sign a Cooperation Framework Agreement covering key areas such as political dialogue, agriculture, energy, education, ICT, tourism, and private sector investment. This will pave the way for the first Joint Permanent Commission and Business/Investment Forum, aimed at unlocking greater opportunities for trade and development.
