Uganda Reverses Invictus Games Withdrawal
Uganda has confirmed it will participate in Prince Harry’s Invictus Games after initially announcing that it would withdraw from the event.
The decision follows a telephone conversation between Uganda’s military chief, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and Sir Clive Alderton, the King’s principal private secretary. According to Uganda’s military, Sir Clive told the general that King Charles III had “no problem” with Uganda taking part.
The development clears the way for the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) to resume preparations for the games, which will be held in Birmingham next year.
Buckingham Palace Clarifies the King’s Position
Uganda’s decision to withdraw had appeared to be connected to a letter from Buckingham Palace concerning the status of Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
The letter clarified that Harry and Meghan remain private citizens and are no longer working members of the Royal Family. Following the announcement, General Kainerugaba said Uganda would not participate in anything that could be seen as being opposed to King Charles.
The military chief had previously explained that the withdrawal was intended to ensure Uganda was “not to be construed as being opposed to His Majesty King Charles III”.
However, the latest conversation with Sir Clive appears to have resolved concerns about whether the King supported Uganda’s involvement in Harry’s sporting event.
Uganda Resumes Preparations
A spokesman for the Ugandan military said Sir Clive “encouraged the CDF [Chief of Defence Forces] to proceed with preparations” for the Invictus Games.
The spokesman said General Kainerugaba welcomed the clarification from Buckingham Palace and agreed that the UPDF would resume preparations for the upcoming competition.
Uganda had only been formally announced as a participant in the games in July, making its subsequent withdrawal and return a notable development.
Invictus Games Row Comes to an End
The reversal appears to bring an end to a dispute that had become linked to tensions surrounding Prince Harry and Meghan’s position within the Royal Family.
It remains unclear whether Buckingham Palace contacted Uganda first or whether Ugandan officials approached the Palace to seek clarification about the King’s position.
A royal source described the outcome as positive for all sides and thanked Uganda for its understanding.
The source also said the resolution demonstrated that Buckingham Palace was willing to address questions and uncertainty surrounding the Sussexes, following the clarification issued about their status.
Uganda’s return means its military personnel can now continue preparations to compete alongside wounded and injured service personnel from other countries at the next Invictus Games in Birmingham.