Uganda Pulls Out of Invictus Games
Uganda has withdrawn from the Invictus Games, the international sporting event for wounded and injured military veterans founded by Prince Harry, just two months after announcing its participation.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s chief of defence and son of President Yoweri Museveni, announced the decision in a post on X.
He said Uganda was withdrawing “in order not to be construed as being opposed to His Majesty King Charles III”.
Ugandan government spokesman Alan Kasujja confirmed the decision to the BBC, saying Kainerugaba has authority over whether the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) participates in the event.
“General Kainerugaba decides whether or not the UPDF participates in the Invictus Games. What you saw is his stated position. If it changes, he will let the world know,” Kasujja said.
Dispute Follows Royal Statement on Harry
Uganda’s withdrawal comes shortly after a letter issued on behalf of King Charles III clarified the status of Prince Harry and Meghan.
The letter stated that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who have returned to the UK, are not working members of the Royal Family.
A source close to Harry and Meghan said Uganda’s decision was linked to the publication of the letter and criticised the impact of the withdrawal on competitors.
“Sadly, the only people who will suffer are the Invictus Games competitors,” the source said.
A report in The Times suggested Kainerugaba’s concerns about what he described as the “Harry-Meghan nonsense” were behind the decision.
Uganda Says It Will Not Join Unapproved Projects
In his announcement, Kainerugaba said Uganda would not take part in activities that did not have the King’s approval.
“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 wrote.
“We shall not participate in anything that does not have His Majesty’s approval.”
Royal sources, however, have said King Charles supports projects that assist wounded service personnel.
The Invictus Games organisers said they had not received official confirmation of Uganda’s withdrawal. They said they were seeking clarification from their contacts in the country.
Birmingham Games Set for Next Year
Uganda’s participation in the next Invictus Games was announced in July while Prince Harry was in London promoting the event.
The games focus on the resilience, rehabilitation and recovery of wounded and injured military personnel and veterans.
Uganda had become the 26th country to join the event, which is scheduled to take place in Birmingham next year.
Kainerugaba’s announcement also came amid a series of posts on X in which he made provocative personal comments, including describing himself as the “most handsome, most daring and glorious Commander who ever lived”.
He also posted angry messages about other generals who had danced without his permission.
The sudden withdrawal leaves Uganda’s participation in the Birmingham event uncertain, with the Invictus Games organisers still seeking formal clarification from the Ugandan authorities.