Uganda has announced its withdrawal from the Invictus Games, a sporting event for injured veterans founded by Prince Harry, just two months after confirming its participation. General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the country’s chief of defence and son of President Yoweri Museveni, made the declaration via social media platform X.
In his post, General Kainerugaba stated that the decision was made “in order not to be construed as being opposed to His Majesty King Charles III.” He added that the military would not engage in events lacking the King’s approval. A government spokesman later confirmed to the BBC that the general retains authority over Uganda People’s Defence Force involvement and that his current stance stands unless he issues further updates.
The announcement comes amid reported tensions between the Ugandan military leadership and the Sussexes. The Times newspaper cited a letter sent by the King earlier this week clarifying that Prince Harry and Meghan, who have recently returned to the UK, are not working royals. Royal sources have indicated that King Charles supports initiatives aiding wounded service personnel, contrasting with the General’s concerns about what he has described as “Harry-Meghan nonsense.”
The Invictus Games organization told the BBC it had not yet received official notification of the withdrawal and was seeking clarification from its contacts in Uganda. Uganda had joined the event as the 26th participating nation in July, when Prince Harry was in London promoting the games. The next iteration of the tournament is scheduled to take place in Birmingham next year.
Does General Kainerugaba truly speak for all of Uganda? Or is this just one man’s whim causing confusion?
This is frankly bizarre. A sporting event shouldn’t be held hostage by royal family drama. Pure politics.