Uganda Pulls Out Of Prince Harry’s Invictus Games In Shock Move Over King Charles
Uganda has withdrawn from next year’s Invictus Games, just two months after announcing plans to participate in the international sporting event founded by Prince Harry for wounded, injured and sick military veterans
The decision was announced by General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s chief of defence and son of President Yoweri Museveni, who said the country was pulling out to avoid being seen as opposing King Charles III.
“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,” Kainerugaba said in a post on X.
He added that Uganda would not participate in activities that did not have the King’s approval.
Ugandan government spokesman Alan Kasujja confirmed the decision, saying Kainerugaba had authority over whether the Uganda People’s Defence Force would participate.
The move comes shortly after Buckingham Palace clarified the status of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, stressing that the couple are no longer working members of the British Royal Family.
Reports suggested that concerns over Harry and Meghan’s relationship with the monarchy may have influenced Uganda’s decision.
However, royal sources have indicated that King Charles supports initiatives that assist wounded and injured service personnel, regardless of who is involved in organising them.
The Invictus Games organisation said it had not received formal notification from Uganda confirming its withdrawal and was seeking clarification from its contacts in the country.
Uganda announced its participation in the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham in July, becoming the 26th nation to join the event.
The games, founded by Prince Harry in 2014, bring together wounded, injured and sick military personnel and veterans from around the world to compete in sporting events designed to promote rehabilitation, recovery and resilience.
Uganda’s sudden withdrawal has now raised fresh questions over the increasingly complicated relationship between Prince Harry, the British monarchy and international partners involved in his charitable work.