Uganda withdraws from Invictus Games over stance on King Charles III

Uganda is withdrawing from the Invictus Games, the international sporting event for wounded service personnel. Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the country’s military chief, announced the decision in a post on X on Wednesday.

Kainerugaba said the move was intended to avoid being seen as opposed to King Charles III, adding that Uganda would not participate in activities without the monarch’s approval.

Uganda had been set to become the 26th entrant

The withdrawal follows Uganda’s planned entry as the 26th country in the Invictus Games. Two months ago, Prince Harry appeared in London with Uganda’s defence minister, Kiryowa Kiwanuka, to announce the country’s participation.

Kiwanuka had praised President Yoweri Museveni and Kainerugaba for supporting the entry, calling it a new chapter for Uganda’s service personnel.

Government spokesperson Alan Kasujja confirmed to the BBC that Kainerugaba decides whether the Uganda People’s Defence Force takes part. He said the general would inform the public if his position changed.

Decision follows royal household letter

The announcement came after a letter sent on Monday by Richard Benyon, head of the royal household, at Charles III’s request. It said the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were no longer working members of the royal family and that their charitable work was being conducted in a private capacity.

Kainerugaba said factions within Uganda’s Defence Ministry supported Harry and Meghan’s position, but that he had moved to stop it. The Invictus Games and representatives for Prince Harry have not commented.

Kainerugaba became army chief in 2024. He is widely viewed as a possible successor to his 81-year-old father as president and is known for provocative posts on X.