Gabon’s President Visits Gulu for Agri-Business Talks

Akello Sharon
3 Min Read
Gen. Caleb Akandwanaho, also known as Gen. Salim Saleh, the Chief Coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), hosted Gabon's Transitional President, H.E. Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, in Gulu District on Friday, August 2, 2024. PHOTO - NRM Portal

On Friday, August 2, 2024, Gen. Caleb Akandwanaho, also known as Gen. Salim Saleh, hosted the Transitional President of Gabon, H.E. Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, in Gulu District, Uganda. This visit highlighted the commitment of both Uganda and Gabon to advancing socio-economic development and fostering mutual cooperation.

During the meeting, President Nguema, accompanied by the First Lady of Gabon, Mrs. Zita Oligui Nguema, expressed Gabon’s interest in leveraging Uganda’s agricultural development programs to reduce their dependence on food imports. President Nguema acknowledged the impact of Gen. Saleh’s agricultural initiatives, which he believed played a significant role in transforming Uganda’s agricultural sector.




President Nguema noted his desire to personally meet President Museveni during this trip, reflecting his enthusiasm for collaboration. He praised Gulu, Gen. Saleh’s hometown, for its role in Uganda’s agricultural success, underscoring Gabon’s interest in adopting similar strategies.




In his discussions with Gen. Saleh, President Nguema emphasized Gabon’s focus on economic diversification, agricultural development, and youth entrepreneurship. He outlined his vision for economic transformation, which includes agricultural recovery, senior civil servant training, and free education for children. He also highlighted the need for peace and security to attract investors.




President Nguema elaborated on his government’s current challenges, including unemployment and reliance on agriculture and energy. He noted that while infrastructure projects were intended to create jobs, focusing on agriculture could provide more immediate employment opportunities.

Gen. Salim Saleh reassured President Nguema of Uganda’s commitment to bilateral cooperation, citing the success of Operation Wealth Creation in integrating Ugandans into the money economy. The program, launched in July 2013, aims to transform subsistence farming into commercial farming, thereby raising household incomes and promoting wealth creation.

The Vice Prime Minister of Gabon, Mr. Alexandre Barro Chambrier, reiterated Gabon’s dedication to economic diversification and highlighted potential partnerships with Uganda. He emphasized Gabon’s rich natural resources, including manganese and other minerals, and the importance of processing these resources to drive economic growth.




Ambassador Phillip Idro, Special Advisor for Operation Wealth Creation, welcomed President Nguema to Uganda and underscored the strong partnership between the two countries. He praised Operation Wealth Creation’s role in mobilizing communities for commercial activities, including distributing agricultural inputs and animal breeding materials.

The meeting was attended by several notable figures, including the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Jacob Oboth-Oboth; the Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Judith Nabakooba; and the Minister of Agriculture for Gabon, Mr. Jonathan Ignoumba.

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Whether covering local events or international affairs, Akello Sharon consistently delivers well-researched, balanced, and thought-provoking articles.
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