Uganda has announced its decision to withdraw from the Invictus Games, the annual multi‑sport competition for wounded military veterans organised by Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex. Earlier this year, the country had officially confirmed its participation, making it the 26th nation to join the event.
The withdrawal was declared by Ugandan Defence Chief General Muhoozi Kainerugaba in a post on the social‑media platform X on Thursday. Kainerugaba stated that the decision was made "in order not to be construed as being opposed to His Majesty King Charles III of the United Kingdom, whom we deeply revere." The General said that Uganda would not take part in any event lacking the King’s explicit approval. A government spokesperson confirmed that the General is the sole authority on UPDF participation in the Games, and that any change would be publicly announced.
The announcement follows a letter sent by the King that clarified that Prince Harry and his wife Meghan are no longer working members of the royal family. Some media have linked the withdrawal to the "Harry‑Meghan nonsense" circulating in Ugandan circles. Royal sources indicate that the King supports programmes that aid wounded servicemen and women, including the Invictus Games.
Despite the move, no official communication has been received by the Invictus Games organisers, which are still awaiting clarification from their Ugandan contacts. The next edition of the Games is scheduled to take place in Birmingham next year. Uganda’s decision underscores the delicate balance Africa must maintain between domestic political pressures and international diplomatic relations.
