Uganda has decided to participate again in Prince Harry’s Invictus Games for veterans. This reversal follows an intervention by King Charles III’s most senior aide, as communicated by the Ugandan army.
The country initially joined the tournament in July but withdrew before competing in the 2027 games in Birmingham, England. The head of Uganda’s armed forces announced the decision to withdraw, citing concerns about compromising their relationship with King Charles III.
On Monday, the Ugandan government confirmed that Sir Clive Alderton, Charles’ most senior aide, reassured that the king had no issues with Uganda’s involvement in the Invictus Games. Colonel Chris Magezi, Uganda’s acting director of defense public information, shared on X that a conversation between General Kainerugaba and Sir Clive Alderton addressed the misunderstanding.
During the discussion, Sir Alderton expressed that King Charles III was moved by General Kainerugaba’s respect for the King’s opinion on the games organized by Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex. He encouraged preparations for Uganda’s participation in the events.
Significance of Uganda’s Withdrawal
Uganda’s decision initially caught the Invictus and Sussex teams off guard. Some in Harry’s camp believed it was linked to a recent letter stating the Sussexes were now considered as private citizens, not working royals. Magezi confirmed the decision was influenced by the letter. The intervention by Alderton demonstrated Buckingham Palace’s willingness to support Harry.
Uganda Announces Its Return
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, head of the armed forces and son of Uganda’s president, officially reversed the withdrawal on September 9. The reversal was announced after a telephonic discussion with Alderton. Kainerugaba appreciated the king’s message and clarity provided, assuring that preparations for Uganda’s participation in the games would resume.
The Invictus Games, initiated by Prince Harry in 2014, is an international event for wounded and sick service personnel and veterans. Uganda, as the 26th participating nation, had previously withdrawn to maintain its relationship with the British Monarchy, following Buckingham Palace’s earlier statement on the games’ status as a private charity.
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