Uganda has reversed its decision to withdraw from the Invictus Games founded by the Duke of Sussex after the country’s military chief said he received reassurance from King Charles III regarding the nation’s participation.
Initial Withdrawal Linked to Royal Tensions
Last week, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba—the eldest son of President Yoweri Museveni and Chief of Defence Forces—announced Uganda’s withdrawal in a post on X (formerly Twitter). He cited his respect for the King amid division over the Harry-Meghan nonsense
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In the earlier post, Kainerugaba shared concerns that Uganda’s participation would be construed as being opposed to his majesty King Charles III of the United Kingdom, whom we deeply revere
, adding that the country would not participate in anything that does not have his majesty’s approval
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The announcement followed speculation regarding an official letter from Buckingham Palace to senior UK government and military officials reiterating that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were not working royals and would not use their HRH styles. The palace had also indicated the Invictus Games were a private charity organisation.
Reinstatement After Buckingham Palace Call
On Monday, the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) spokesperson, Chris Magezi, announced that Kainerugaba had reinstated Uganda’s participation in the 2027 Invictus Games, scheduled for Birmingham.
Magezi wrote that the shift followed a telephone conversation between Kainerugaba and the Principal Private Secretary to the King and Queen, Clive Alderton. According to Magezi, Alderton revealed that King Charles III was moved by Gen Kainerugaba’s sensitive consideration of the king’s opinion on the upcoming Invictus Games organised by Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex
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Magezi added that Charles has no problem with Uganda’s participation in the Invictus Games, and encouraged the [Chief of Defence Forces] CDF to proceed with preparations
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Kainerugaba appreciated the king’s message and clarity provided by Buckingham Palace on the subject, promising that the UPDF would resume preparations to participate in the upcoming games
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Internal Pressure and Political Context
When asked by The Times about the motivation behind the initial withdrawal, Kainerugaba is reported to have said:
I have factions in the Ministry of Defence that support that Harry-Meghan nonsense. I had to quash it straight away. I support the monarch. Period.
Kainerugaba, a graduate of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst like Prince Harry, was appointed army chief in 2024 and is widely viewed as a potential successor to his 81-year-old father. He has a history of provocative posts on X, including threats to invade Kenya and comments directed at public figures such as Jay-Z, Beyoncé, and Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine.
Two months prior to the withdrawal saga, Prince Harry stood alongside Uganda’s Defence Minister, Kiryowa Kiwanuka, at a London event to announce Uganda as the 26th nation to join the multisport competition for wounded service personnel.
Invictus Games Foundation Welcomes Return
Rob Owen, CEO of the Invictus Games Foundation, welcomed the development:
We welcome the news that Uganda has confirmed it will continue to be part of the Invictus community and participate in the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027, now less than 300 days away.
Uganda became our 26th nation earlier this year, joining a growing movement that provides year-round recovery opportunities for wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans across the world.
