Uganda Withdraws From Invictus Games Citing Respect for King Charles

Uganda has announced its withdrawal from the Invictus Games out of deference to King Charles III, according to statement made by the country's military chief. Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, commander of the Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF) and son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, shared the decision in a social media post on Wednesday.

Writing on X, Kainerugaba stated that the nation was stepping back from the adaptive sports event for wounded service personnel to avoid appearing opposed to the British monarch. He noted that Uganda deeply reveres King Charles III and would not participate in activities lacking His Majesty's approval. Speaking to the Times regarding his motivation, Kainerugaba expressed his support for the monarchy and indicated he acted to suppress internal Ministry of Defence factions favoring the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

Reversal Following Royal Household Guidance

The decision follows a directive issued on Monday by Lord Chamberlain Richard Benyon on behalf of King Charles. Sent to senior UK government and military officials, the official letter clarified that Prince Harry and Meghan are no longer working royals, undertake charitable work in a private capacity, and hold a status akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests.

Ugandan government spokesperson Alan Kasujja confirmed the military chief's authority on the matter to the BBC, stating that Kainerugaba determines the UPDF's involvement in the Invictus Games and that his published statement reflects his official stance.

Impact on Ugandan Invictus Participation

The sudden withdrawal comes just two months after Prince Harry appeared in London with Uganda's Defence Minister, Kiryowa Kiwanuka, to announce Uganda as the 26th nation joining the competition. During that announcement, Kiwanuka had praised President Museveni and credited Kainerugaba, a Sandhurst graduate, for championing the military team's entry into the games.

Kainerugaba was appointed as Uganda's army chief in 2024 and is widely regarded as a potential successor to his 81-year-old father. Representatives for the Duke of Sussex and the Invictus Games have been approached for comment regarding the announcement.