Uganda pulls out of the Invictus Games after a brief commitment.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s chief of defence and son of President Yoweri Museveni, wrote on the X platform that Uganda would not participate in the Duke of Sussex’s annual sports event for wounded military veterans.
The decision was framed as a precaution to avoid being perceived as opposing King Charles III of the United Kingdom, whom the general says the country deeply reveres. "In order not to be construed as being opposed to His Majesty King Charles III, Uganda hereby withdraws from the Invictus Games," the general stated.
Government spokesman Alan Kasujja confirmed the move and explained that the UPDF’s participation is subject to the general’s direction. "General Kainerugaba decides whether or not the UPDF participates in the Invictus Games. If that changes, he will let the world know," Kasujja told the BBC.
The withdrawal comes after a letter sent by the king this week clarified that Prince Harry and Meghan are no longer working royals. The Times reported that the general had concerns about the "Harry‑Meghan nonsense," suggesting the royal context influenced Uganda’s decision.
The Invictus Games, held annually in the UK, celebrates the resilience and rehabilitation of wounded service personnel. Uganda had been the 26th country to sign up in July, when Prince Harry promoted the event in London. The involvement in the next Games, scheduled for Birmingham next year, will now be uncertain.
The Invictus Games organisers said they had not received official information about Uganda’s withdrawal and are seeking clarification from Ugandan contacts. The Ugandan government has not yet announced a new position on the event.
