In brief
Uganda’s chief of defence, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has announced the country’s withdrawal from the Invictus Games, a sporting event for wounded military veterans organised by Prince Harry. The decision comes only two months after Uganda declared it would join the Games, and follows a recent letter from the King that clarified Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are no longer working royals. Kainerugaba stated that Uganda would not participate in anything that lacks the King’s approval, signalling diplomatic sensitivity. While the Invictus Games organisers have yet to receive official confirmation of Uganda’s withdrawal, the move underscores the complex interplay between national pride, royal protocol and international sporting solidarity.
In a surprising turn, Uganda’s chief of defence, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, posted on X that the country has withdrawn from the Invictus Games – a sports festival for wounded and disabled military personnel curated by Prince Harry. The announcement follows Uganda’s own statement in July that it would be the 26th nation to participate, making this a swift reversal.
On the morning of Thursday, the general declared that the withdrawal was “in order not to be construed as being opposed to His Majesty King Charles III of the United Kingdom, whom we deeply revere.” He added that Uganda would not engage in activities lacking the King’s approval, a stance that appears to be a diplomatic salutation to the reigning monarch.
The move is tied to a recent letter from the King that clarified Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are no longer working royals. A Times report whispered that the general’s decision was influenced by the “Harry‑Meghan nonsense,” suggesting political pressure may be at play.
Irish Gene Gregg, a spokesperson for the Invictus Games, said the organising committee has not yet been informed of Uganda’s withdrawal. The committee remains in contact with Ugandan officials to receive an official confirmation.
Despite the abrupt pull‑out, the Invictus Games organisers remain hopeful that Uganda might eventually re‑engage. They noted the King encourages projects that support wounded service personnel, and clarified that he views the event positively. The next edition of the Games will be held in Birmingham next year, and Uganda’s absence may feel keenly in that cycle’s dialogue on military rehabilitation and resilience.
