In brief
Uganda's top military commander, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has taken the country off the Invictus Games roster just two months after announcing participation. He declared the decision to avoid any perception of opposition to His Majesty King Charles III. The announcement follows a letter from the King’s office clarifying Prince Harry and Meghan’s non‑working royal status. The Ugandan defense spokesman confirmed the general’s stance, adding that any future participation would need royal endorsement. The move marks 26 Uganda’s first involvement, canceling the 2026 event in Birmingham.
By Sean Coughlan | Royal correspondent | Sept 9, 2026
Uganda will no longer participate in the Invictus Games, the Duke of Sussex’s charitable sports event, following a brief period in which the nation announced its inclusion. The decision was announced by General Muhoozi Kainerugaba – head of the Uganda People's Defence Force and son of President Yoweri Museveni – on the social‑media platform X.
In a post, the general explained that the withdrawal was made “in order not to be construed as being opposed to His Majesty King Charles III”, whom Uganda deeply reveres. He added, “We shall not participate in anything that does not have His Majesty’s approval.”
The August letter from the King’s office, which clarified that Prince Harry and Meghan are not working royals after their return to the UK, has been cited as a backdrop to the decision. A The Times report quoted the general’s concerns about the “Harry‑Meghan nonsense” and its potential impact on Uganda’s standing.
A spokesperson for the Ugandan government confirmed that the general’s decision “decides whether or not the UPDF participates in the Invictus Games.” If the stance shifts, officials said, they would inform the world.
The invitation to Uganda, announced in July when Prince Harry was promoting the Games in London, would have made the nation the 26th country to take part in the event. The 2026 competition is scheduled for Birmingham.
Royal commentators have noted that the King encourages projects that support wounded service personnel, though no official statement has confirmed Uganda’s cancellation. The Invictus organisation has yet to receive formal notice and is seeking clarification.
For further updates, visit BBC News or the official Invictus Games website.
