Uganda has announced its withdrawal from the Invictus Games just two months after joining the international sporting event for wounded, injured, and sick service personnel and veterans, according to International Business Times. General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces and the president’s son, stated that the country would not participate in the event because of what he termed Harry-Meghan nonsense,
as reported by BBC News.
Uganda Withdraws From Invictus Games Over Royal Status Controversy
The military chief posted on X that Uganda was exiting the competition to avoid any appearance of opposing the British monarch. 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,
General Kainerugaba wrote, adding, We shall not participate in anything that does not have His Majesty's approval.
He also told Daily Mail that he had to quash factions within the Ministry of Defence that supported Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, stating, I support the monarch. Period.
Government spokesperson Alan Kasujja confirmed that General Kainerugaba decides whether the Uganda People’s Defence Force takes part in the Games.
Royal Letter Triggers Swift Reversal
The sudden reversal follows a formal letter issued on behalf of King Charles by the Lord Chamberlain, Richard Benyon, and sent to senior government, military, and other officials. The guidance reiterated that Prince Harry and Meghan are no longer working members of the Royal Family, do not use their HRH styles, and undertake their charitable or philanthropic efforts strictly in a private capacity. Buckingham Palace stated the guidance was released in response to a number of requests regarding the couple’s role.
A source close to the Sussexes stated that Uganda’s withdrawal was a direct consequence of that letter being shared with the media. Representatives for Prince Harry and Meghan expressed surprise at not being informed in advance, noting that their team received confirmation the memo had already been sent to the press at 3:11 p.m. shortly after being contacted. Royal sources noted that the King actually encourages all projects supporting wounded service personnel, and there was no indication in reporting that King Charles personally opposed the Invictus Games or directed Uganda to pull out.
Impact on the Invictus Community and Birmingham 2027
Uganda’s exit marks a swift reversal from July, when the country was officially announced as the 26th nation to join the Invictus community and the second in Africa. Prince Harry had stood alongside Uganda’s Defence and Veteran Affairs Minister, Kiryowa Kiwanuka, in London on July 7 to celebrate the milestone, which was intended to support the rehabilitation of former and serving military personnel through sport. Uganda’s delegation had also met with Prince Harry during his visit for events marking one year until Birmingham hosts the Invictus Games next July.
Organisers were caught off guard by the abrupt decision. A spokesman for the Invictus Games stated that the organisation had not received any official information regarding a potential withdrawal and was seeking clarification from contacts in Uganda. A source close to the Sussexes lamented the outcome, stating, Sadly, the only people who will suffer are the Invictus Games competitors.
It remains unclear whether individual Ugandan veterans might still participate independently or how the Invictus Games Foundation will ultimately respond to the military leadership’s decision.