In brief
Uganda’s chief of defence, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, announced on X that the country will withdraw from the Invictus Games, a decision that follows a letter from King Charles III that clarified Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are no longer working royals. The army said it does not wish to be perceived as opposed to His Majesty. The announcement came just two months after Uganda said it would take part in the 2026 games in Birmingham. Organisers have yet to receive official confirmation of the withdrawal and are awaiting clarification from Ugandan contacts. The move underscores tensions between Uganda’s military leadership and the UK monarchy over the royal’s involvement in the event.
Uganda’s military chief says the country is pulling out of the Invictus Games, a sports event for wounded veteran soldiers, just two months after it announced its participation.
The decision was made by General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of President Yoweri Museveni and chief of defence, who posted the announcement on the social‑media platform X.
In a post that quoted the King’s letter, the general said: “In order not to be construed as being opposed to His Majesty King Charles III of the United Kingdom, whom we deeply revere, Uganda hereby withdraws from the Invictus Games.”
He added: “We shall not participate in anything that does not have His Majesty’s approval.”
Government spokesman Alan Kasujja confirmed the remarks, saying the UPDF’s participation in the Games is decided by the general, and that any change would be announced by him.
The regretful announcement follows a July announcement by Prince Harry, announcing Uganda’s intention to compete in next year’s games in Birmingham—making Uganda the 26th country to join the event. The letter from King Charles clarified that Harry and Meghan are not working royals, a point that apparently raised concerns for the Ugandan leader.
The Invictus Games organisers stated that they have not received any official notification of a withdrawal and are seeking confirmation from Ugandan contacts. They remain hopeful that a resolution could be found before the international event opens.
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