Uganda has made the decision to withdraw from the Invictus Games, a sporting event dedicated to wounded military veterans and organized by Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex. This move comes just two months after the nation announced its participation in the event.
The announcement was made by General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who serves as the chief of defense and is also the son of Uganda’s president. He conveyed this information through a post on social media platform X, stating that the withdrawal was intended to avoid any perception of opposition to King Charles III.
In a confirmation to the BBC, Ugandan government spokesperson Alan Kasujja clarified that General Kainerugaba has the authority to determine the Uganda People’s Defence Force’s involvement in the Invictus Games. He noted that the general’s position may evolve, and any changes would be communicated to the public.
Context of the Withdrawal
This announcement from the Ugandan military leader follows a recent letter from King Charles III, indicating that Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle are no longer working royals. The Times reported that General Kainerugaba expressed concerns regarding the “Harry-Meghan nonsense,” suggesting that this sentiment influenced the decision to withdraw.
In his social media statement, the general emphasized Uganda’s deep respect for the King, stating, “To avoid any misunderstanding regarding opposition to His Majesty King Charles III of the United Kingdom, Uganda hereby withdraws from the Invictus Games.” He added that the country would not engage in any activities lacking the King’s endorsement.
Reactions and Future Participation
Despite the withdrawal announcement, royal sources have indicated that King Charles III supports initiatives that aid wounded service members. A spokesperson for the Invictus Games mentioned that they were unaware of any formal withdrawal and are currently seeking clarification from their contacts in Uganda.
General Kainerugaba also took to X to share various posts, including one where he described himself as the “most handsome, most daring and glorious Commander who ever lived.” Additionally, he expressed frustration over other military generals who danced without his permission.
Initially, Uganda’s participation in the next Invictus Games, scheduled for next year in Birmingham, was officially announced in July during Prince Harry’s promotional visit to London. At that time, Uganda was welcomed as the 26th nation to join the games, which celebrate the resilience and recovery of injured military personnel.
