Uganda’s armed forces announced their withdrawal from the Invictus Games, an international adaptive sports competition founded by Prince Harry, citing allegiance to King Charles III as the primary reason. The decision was made by General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, who stated the country would not participate in events lacking the monarch’s approval.
Uganda’s military chief cites royal allegiance as withdrawal reason
General Kainerugaba announced the move in a post on X (formerly Twitter), writing: “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. We shall not participate in anything that does not have His Majesty’s approval.” He emphasized his personal support for the monarch, stating: “I support the monarch. Period.”
The withdrawal follows King Charles III’s confirmation that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle remain non-working royals and are no longer permitted to use their HRH titles. General Kainerugaba also referenced internal factions within Uganda’s Ministry of Defence that he described as supportive of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, stating he acted to “quash it straight away.”
Uganda’s recent Invictus Games involvement
Uganda was announced as the 26th country to join the Invictus Games community in July 2024, marking the first east African nation to participate. The announcement was made at a Chatham House event in London, where Prince Harry met with Ugandan delegates, including Defence Minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka. Photographs from the event showed Prince Harry posing with Ugandan officials and holding a roundel bearing the country’s name.
General Kainerugaba’s decision reverses Uganda’s prior engagement with the Invictus Games, which had been framed as a diplomatic and sporting opportunity. The military chief did not provide further details on whether Uganda’s withdrawal would affect future participation in other international events hosted by the British royal family.
Reactions and context
The announcement has drawn attention due to General Kainerugaba’s prominent role as the son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and his history of controversial social media activity. His post on X followed a period of reduced activity on the platform, during which he stated his intention to “shake up this world!” upon returning in early 2025.
Royal observers noted the unusual nature of the intervention, with veteran reporter Richard Palmer describing the move as “extraordinary.” The decision also comes amid ongoing public discussions about the role of the British monarchy and its relationship with senior royals, including Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Uganda’s Ministry of Defence and the Ugandan government have not issued additional statements regarding the withdrawal. Representatives for Prince Harry and the Invictus Games have not publicly responded to the development.