Uganda Pulls Out of Prince Harry’s Invictus Games After Joining

Wed Sep 09 2026 23:10:57 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Uganda’s military chief cancels participation in the Duke of Sussex’s Invictus Games to avoid conflict with King Charles III.

Two months after Uganda announced it would join the UK–run Invictus Games, the country reversed course and withdrew, citing respect for the Crown. General Muhoozi Kainerugaba said the move ensured Uganda would not be seen as opposing His Majesty King Charles III. The decision was announced via a post on X. Despite the initial enthusiasm for a resilient veterans’ competition, political sensitivities over the royal family’s status prompted the quick change.

Uganda pulls out of Prince Harry’s Invictus Games after joining

In a surprising turn of events, Uganda has decided to withdraw from the Invictus Games—a sporting event championed by the Duke of Sussex for wounded, injured, and sick military personnel. The announcement came only two months after the country declared its intention to participate.

The decision was made by General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s chief of defence and son of President Yoweri Museveni. He posted the news on the social‑media platform X, explaining that the withdrawal was to avoid any perception of opposition to His Majesty King Charles III, whom Uganda deeply respects.

‘We shall not participate in anything that does not have His Majesty’s approval,’ the general wrote, underscoring the sensitivity around the involvement of the UK monarchy in the event. The move followed a letter sent early this week, on behalf of the King, clarifying that Prince Harry and Meghan are no longer working royals.

The Ugandan government’s spokesperson, Alan Kasujja, confirmed that the general’s position was final unless there were changes, at which point ‘the world will know.’ The Invictus Games organisers have yet to receive any official notice and are seeking clarification from Ugandan contacts.

The online discussion around the decision also highlighted tensions surrounding the royal family, with some posts praising the general’s stance while others shared concerns over the term ‘Harry‑Meghan nonsense.’ Despite the withdrawal, the Invictus Games’ mission of supporting wounded service personnel remains steadfast, with King Charles encouraging projects that assist military veterans.

Uganda was the 26th country to take part in the event when it first announced participation in July, coinciding with Prince Harry’s promotion of the Games in London. The next edition will be hosted in Birmingham, but it is unclear whether Uganda will re‑enter the competition.